No Increase to Fees and Charges for Goldenfields Customers in 2020-21

Published on 27 April 2020

In recognition of the difficulties customers are facing due to COVID-19, the Goldenfields Water Board resolved two significant decisions to alleviate the financial burden on customers at its meeting on 23 April 2020.

The Board voted to suspend rate increases when considering the draft budget for the 2020/2021 financial year.

In addition, the Board resolved to extend the due date for the latest water accounts and suspend interest on overdue accounts until 30 June 2020.

Chairperson Dennis Palmer commended fellow Board members for putting people before profit during a time when so many members of the community are in financial distress:

“We can see the serious financial impact COVID-19 is having on our communities. We hope to alleviate some of the financial burden on our customers during this time with the decisions to freeze increases to rates and by extending the due date for water accounts and overdue interest until 30 June 2020”.

General Manager Aaron Drenovski noted that the reduction in projected income would not signal a decline in planned capital works, “Goldenfields Water plans to deliver an ambitious Capital Works program totalling in excess of 14 million dollars in the 2020-21 financial year”.

Major planned capital works projects for 2020-21 include the continued construction of the Mandamah pipeline, the commencement of the Rosehill pipleline replacement and the high voltage renewal of the major pump station at Oura. “These projects are expected to deliver improved operations and significant benefits for Goldenfields Water customers” Mr Drenovski said.

The draft Operational Plan, incorporating the proposed fees and charges for 2020-21, is now on public display and is anticipated to be adopted by the Board at the June Council meeting.

Goldenfields Water is pleased to be in a position to offer customers a measure of financial relief during this time of hardship.