Help shape our next 5-year action plan

Residents and businesses are encouraged to help inform a five-year action plan that sets out prices and outlines the priorities for delivering reliable, sustainable and equitable water services for the region.

Barwon Water is seeking community feedback on what it prioritises and what it invests in, as it begins the development of its Price Submission 2028-2033.

The Price Submission process outlines service standards, infrastructure and operational investments, and customer prices over a five-year period.

The Barwon region is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and along with this we are experiencing a long-term decline in rainfall and persistent cost of living pressures.

There will be many ways for customers to have their say, including a community panel, an online survey and pop-ups around the region.

Managing Director Shaun Cumming said community input was critical to the success of Barwon Water's longer-term planning.

“We're committed to listening and learning from our customers to ensure that we deliver what our communities value and expect from us,” Mr Cumming said.

“We're keen to hear from people from all walks of life, as we all benefit from safe, secure and sustainable water supplies.

“We want to work together to plan a water future that works for everyone. Your input will help to shape the choices we make for Price Submission 2028-2033.”

The Barwon region is expected to grow from around 370,000 people today to more than 500,000 within 15 years.

Modelling tells us that we may need an extra 10,000 GL of water each year by 2040 to meet growing demand amid a hotter, drier climate.

Mr Cumming said the upcoming Price Submission came at a vital time.

“Water keeps our communities healthy, our environment thriving, our economy moving, and provides deep cultural significance and connection to Country,” Mr Cumming said.

“The Price Submission will look at the services we'll provide, the new and improved infrastructure we'll build and maintain, and how costs will be shared across our customer base.

“We expect this will be a period of innovation and new solutions, via a diverse program featuring a range of water savings initiatives, smart technologies, and multiple water sources.”

All Victorian water corporations, including Barwon Water, are required to develop and submit Price Submissions to the Essential Services Commission.

While planning for Price Submission 2028-2033, Barwon Water is still delivering on the actions of its Price Submission 2023-2028.

For more information, to contribute your ideas or to register for a community panel, please visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/your-water-your-say