The Queensland Government has announced the outlook for bulk water prices for South East Queensland, following analysis and recommendations by the Queensland Water Commission. 

A 10 year price path has been projected for bulk water prices based on assumed interest rates and consumption patterns.  It reflects not only existing bulk water assets but also significantly improved water security for South East Queensland delivered by the $9bn water grid, including desalination, purified recycled water, new storages and the regional pipeline network.  

In 2008-09, the increase for a Brisbane retail customer using 250 kL per annum is estimated to be at about $1.30 a week, excluding the effect of inflation. 

After taking into account inflation, all households in SEQ - except for those in the Sunshine Coast and Redland Council areas - that use the same amount of water should have the same increase in their annual water bill from July 1 due to bulk water charges. 

Under the water price path, councils will reach the final price point at different times, reflecting the fact that councils have different bulk water costs at present.   Once the final price point is reached, bulk water increases should only be based on inflation.  

The years in which the relevant councils reach the final destination price point are:

• Lockyer: 2011-12
• Somerset: 2014-15
• Scenic Rim: 2015-16
• Logan: 2015-16
• Gold Coast: 2016-17
• Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Redlands: 2017-18.

Read more:

• Bulk water prices (PDF 26KB)
• Expected retail bill increases (PDF 113KB)