Central Coast Council has provided its first bi-annual Water and Sewer Delivery Plan 2022-2026 Progress Report.

Council adopted the Water and Sewer Delivery Plan 2022-2026 as part of its commitment to improve water and sewer performance, accountability, and transparency with customers over the next four years.

The progress report highlights the key achievements across July to December 2022 under three focus areas: accountability, community engagement and asset management.

Council’s Director of Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said Council is on-track and progressing well across all areas of the plan.

“We have continued to listen to our customers. Our forums in March and May, and public survey in June will collect feedback to help improve Council’s water and sewer services, including how we report back to our customers.

“Council has awarded a pressure pipeline condition assessment contract and commenced inspections and condition assessments of major tunnels and outfalls across the region. We are also planning for a condition audit at Somersby Water Treatment Plant,” Mr Loader said.

The Water and Sewer Delivery Plan is built on the recommendations contained within the Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority Pricing Determination.

The Pricing Determination includes the prices that Council can charge customers for water and related services from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026, as provided by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the Pricing Determination ensures Council’s water and sewer services are financially sustainable and that we make decisions in the best interest of the community, with focus on transparency and accountability.

“The roll-out of our Delivery Plan shows our commitment to building credibility and trust with our community,” Mr Hart said.

Council is also updating its Liquid Trade Waste Policy to ensure alignment with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (NSW DPE) Liquid Trade Waste Guidelines and the requirements of IPART. The NSW DPE Guidelines and associated framework prescribe sound pricing, including appropriate trade waste regulation policy and approvals.

The proposed Policy will provide a regulatory framework for Council to work with its liquid trade waste customers, including public health and environmental protection, asset management, water conservation, and Council’s regulatory and licence compliance obligations as well as its workers health and safety. It also outlines Council’s regulatory and licence compliance obligations.

The Draft Policy will be available on Council’s Your Voice Our Coast page for public feedback in April.

• Read Council’s Water and Sewer Delivery Plan 2022-2026 Progress Report – visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and search ‘water delivery plan report’.
• Sign up for updates about the survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterservices