Water notices due 7 December 2021

Central Highlands Regional Council’s half-yearly water notices have been issued.

The notices will include the water access charge for 1 July to 31 December 2021 and water consumption charges from 30 November to 31 May 2021.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said water access charges help council to recover the fixed costs associated with providing high quality drinking water to everyone in the region. These costs include water scheme allocations and licences, as well as ongoing operation and maintenance costs.

‘Water security and management is a key priority for the Central Highlands – that’s why council continually invests in efficient, reliable water and sewerage infrastructure,’ he said.

‘In recent years we have constructed the East Nogoa Water Treatment Plant and made significant upgrades to infrastructure in Capella and Tieri, with works continuing this financial year.’

The water notices are payable by 5.00 pm 7 December 2021, with those who pay on time receiving a 5% discount on the access charges.

Mayor Hayes alerted residents to a typo on the notices but said it did not impact the amounts owing and ratepayers should pay their bill as per usual.

‘While the discount value for access charges has been calculated correctly at 5%, the front and back of the notice incorrectly state the discount as 10%,’ he said.

‘This unfortunate error arose through no fault of council or any of its employees and was solely as the result of a procedural error on the part of the contract print house.’

Council offers ratepayers a variety of payment options, including payment plans for those who might find it difficult to pay their account.

Council also provides several concessions which include:

Each ratepayer’s situation is unique. If you have any questions about your account or you would like to explore your payment options, there is no need to wait for your bill to arrive. Please get in touch with our customer service team on 1300 242 686 as soon as you can.

If you think you have been overcharged, you can check the accuracy of your notice with the current reading on your physical water meter or contact a licenced plumber to check for undetected water leaks.

For answers to some frequently asked questions about rates and water notices, head here.

Locals are also urged to become a Central Highlands Water Warrior and take up the challenge to drop residential water use by 20%.

‘The average water use of Central Highlanders is well above the Central Queensland average of 550 litres per person per day,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘Council has recently launched a campaign encouraging residents to Drop20 and help protect our most precious resource.’

More on the campaign and water-saving tips, including a home audit checklist, can be found here.