Tasmanian water bills could jump by nearly 40% over the next four years, under a new proposal put forward to fund the repair of the state’s ageing sewerage infrastructure.
TasWater has lodged a price and service plan with the Tasmanian Economic Regulator, requesting annual increases of 8.8% from 2026 through to 2030.
If approved, the hike would see the average household paying an extra $522 a year by the end of the four-year period.
The state-owned utility says the steep increases are needed to bring its sewerage treatment plants into compliance, with just 9% currently meeting regulatory standards.
TasWater’s General Manager of Customer and Community Matt Balfe admits the proposal won’t be “popular”, but says it is essential.
“We must invest $1.7 billion over four years, funded by a proposed $5 a week increase to bills,” he said.
“These upgrades will create 15,000 Tasmanian jobs, protect our environment and unlock growth for new homes and business.”
“If we don’t act now, it will cost more in the future. We simply can’t keep kicking the can down the road.”
The plan has already drawn criticism from welfare advocates, who say it would hit low-income households hardest during a continuing cost-of-living crunch.
TasCOSS CEO Adrienne Picone labelled the proposed 8.8% annual rise as “significant and a major blow” to those already doing it tough.
“Tasmanians on the lowest incomes are already making enormous sacrifices to afford their household bills, with prices for the essentials still continuing to rise,” she said.
“Under this proposal, water rates will skyrocket by more than 40% over the four years, equating to an average household bill increase of $522 by 2030.”
Tasmanian Economic Regulator Joe Dimasi has launched a 12-month review of the proposal, with a draft report due out in February next year.
