Council updates concealed leaks policy with new remission scheme

Redland City Council has updated its Concealed Leaks Policy to reflect the recent introduction of the South East Queensland Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission Scheme.

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty, who chaired today’s General Meeting, said endorsement of the policy update followed the Queensland Government’s announcement of the scheme in August.

“Redland City Council has been advocating to the Queensland Government for many years to provide a remission to ratepayers for the state-imposed bulk water component of concealed leak charges,” Cr Talty said.

“Redland City Council has had a concealed leaks policy for more than 20 years that provides valuable support to eligible residents to cover the retail portion of water consumption lost through a concealed leak.

“We welcome the Queensland Government’s decision to make a similar policy commitment as the bulk water price makes up the majority of water consumption costs.”

Cr Talty said concealed leaks were underground or hidden leaks on a property that could cost people up to tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected water bills.

“Under Council’s policy, Council’s remission is 80 per cent – and 100 per cent for eligible pensioners – of the retail portion of the water consumption charge for a concealed leak,” she said.

“The new remission scheme will provide an additional credit on the estimated water loss for the state bulk water charge of 100 per cent for eligible pensioners and 70 per cent for all other eligible customers.

“Council will then claim this amount back through the Queensland Government, although details of this process are still being finalised.”

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