Long-awaited concealed leak remission scheme welcomed

Following years of lobbying by Redland City Council, the Queensland Government will provide remissions for households hit with high water bills due to losing water through a concealed leak.

Mayor Karen Williams said while Council welcomed the long-awaited decision, it should be noted that Council has had a concealed leaks policy for more than 20 years that provided valuable support to eligible residents.

“Up until the announcement, there has been no similar policy commitment from the State to reimburse ratepayers for the State-imposed bulk water component of concealed leak charges,” Cr Williams said.

“Council has advocated for many years for this to happen as the majority of water consumption costs are made up of the State Government bulk water price.”

Concealed leaks are underground or hidden leaks on a property which can cost people up-to tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected water bills.

The new SEQ Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission Scheme announced by the Queensland Government will provide financial relief on the excess State bulk water charge of 100 per cent for eligible pensioners and 70 per cent for all other customers.

Council currently reimburses 80 per cent (100 per cent for eligible pensioners) of the retail portion of the water consumption charge for a concealed leak, Cr Williams said.

“The State remission would be additional to Council’s remission,” she said.

Council provides information about concealed leaks, including Council’s Concealed Leaks Policy, a fact sheet and remission application form, on its water supply webpage.

Details on the State scheme is available here: SEQ Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission Scheme