Rockhampton Regional Council has today introduced a revised Undetected Leak Rebate Policy to support residents facing unexpectedly high water charges caused by hidden leaks.
Water Councillor Edward Oram said that while the policy has undergone some changes, its core purpose remains unchanged.
"Water leaks on properties can often go unnoticed for quite some time, and during that period, they can result in a significant excess water usage bill," Cr Oram said.
"We understand how stressful and costly these situations can be, which is why we feel it's so important to offer a rebate that supports residents when they need it most.
"A recent review of the policy introduces a few changes that we want to make residents aware of, particularly, the new eligibility criteria and rebate calculations."
Cr Oram said residents will be able to make a claim once every three years.
"Previously, rebates could be claimed multiple times without restriction, and this change ensures fair access to support and helps manage the overall cost of the program," Cr Oram said.
"Another change is that excess consumption will be charged, but only at the lowest tier rate.
"We want to ensure every resident still has access to support when they need it, while also safeguarding the program so it can continue serving the community for years to come."
The policy now includes a clearly defined list of exclusions.
"Water rebates aren't something always provided by local governments, so it's something our council is really proud of.
"While the policy is designed to assist residents facing genuine cases of undetected water loss, we encourage everyone to be proactive in preventing leaks before they become costly."
