Logan City Council's water charges will be frozen for the fourth straight year as part of the 2020/2021 Budget.
Mayor Darren Power said Council's decision would be welcome news for Logan households still battling to overcome the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown.
However, the State Government's bulk water charge will increase by 3.5 per cent (higher than the Brisbane CPI March rate of 1.8 per cent) - a cost that is out of Council's control.
"Our water business continues to focus on efficiently delivering vital infrastructure and providing quality drinking water to our community," he said.
"That's why we are able to maintain our component of water charges at the same rate for a fourth consecutive year."
City Infrastructure Committee Chairperson, Councillor Teresa Lane, said Council was committed to helping drive down costs for ratepayers in challenging times, and would only apply an increase of 0.8 per cent for wastewater charges.
In addition to shielding residents and business from a water price hike, Council will continue to invest in its vast water and sewerage network with $119.1 million being spent this year on projects including:
- $43 million to upgrade and improve the Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant, including $18 million towards completing the Logan City Biosolids Gasification Project
- $35 million to replace and refurbish infrastructure to maintain high levels of service in Council's water and wastewater networks
- The continued rollout of the $1.27 million Smart Water Meters program
- A $1.26 million upgrade of security around critical water infrastructure
The Biosolids Gasification initiative is an Australian-first project that aims to turn solid waste into energy through a special gasification process.
The process will reduce the volume of waste by 90 per cent and produce a 'biochar' suitable for agricultural applications. The facility should be fully operational by July next year.
Smart water meters give real-time access to water use data for customers, fast detection of leaks, and awareness of water conservation.
"It is a remarkable achievement for Logan Water to embark on something as ambitious as the Biosolids Gasification project while delivering another water charge freeze," Cr Lane said.
"It's even more remarkable when you consider the challenges our growing population puts on our existing water and sewerage network."
Logan City Council maintains a water network that includes 2285km of wastewater mains, 2345km of water supply mains, 134 wastewater pump stations, four wastewater treatment plants, 27 water pump stations, 40 water supply reservoirs and 10 chlorination facilities.
Council will adopt its 2020/2021 Budget on Monday, July 20.
