It could come into place on July 1.
Central Coast residents could soon see a drastic change in the water bills with an independent tribunal recommending reductions in prices that could save locals hundreds per year.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) released its draft report and recommendations yesterday, which included recommended lower water bills for all Central Coast households.
The suggestion would see an 8.5% reduction in the amount of revenue collected by the Central Coast Council from water, sewerage and stormwater charges, along with a $105 per year cap on residential and farmland stormwater prices.
According to IPART Chair Dr Paul Paterson, the average Central Coast household could expect to save hundreds if the recommendations were initiated.
“The annual water bill for a typical household in the former Gosford Council area would fall by about $330 in 2019-20, and a typical bill for a household in the former Wyong Council area would fall by $150 per year,” he stated.
“Most prices would then increase in line with inflation over the following two years, until they are reviewed again in 2022.
“Prices for a small number of non-residential users would increase to better reflect the costs of providing services. Where this is the case, we have proposed a gradual transition to avoid bill shock.”
The recommendation will be open for public consultation until April 24th with a final decision made in May.
Should the reduction be approved, costs would begin to lower at the start of the new financial year on July 1.
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
