Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say on water, sewer and stormwater pricing.

Water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), who undertake a review of pricing every three to four years (the period is determined by IPART).

This latest review by IPART requires Council to propose pricing for these services by September 2021 that will take effect from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2026.

Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said community feedback is a crucial part of putting together Council’s submission.

“We want to find out what’s important to you about how we provide water, sewer and stormwater services to the Central Coast,” said Mr Loader.

“We will then balance this information with our assessment of how much it costs to produce water, treat sewage and ensure that stormwater is managed.

“We want to assure the community this does not mean prices go up automatically, they could in fact go down or remain the same.

“IPART will independently consider Council’s submission, which will include community feedback, and will set a fair price for customers.”

Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said that he wanted the community to understand that this submission to IPART for water, sewer and stormwater prices is completely separate to the application for a rate rise that Council recently lodged.

“Council applied to IPART for a 15% rate rise to help with Council’s financial recovery. This process is called a Special Variation application and is a one-off application as part of our Business Recovery Plan,” Mr Persson said.

“Water, sewer and stormwater prices are required to be separately reviewed every three to four years and that is what this process is for.

“I encourage everyone to get involved in how Council will deliver what is one of the very essential services we can and must deliver.”

Community members can have their say by completing an online survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com.