The Shire Council has announced from 1 July 2024 that "some" non-residential property owners might experience an increase to their Water Access Charge, as Council phases-in over the next four years a calculation based on the amount of water used at each non-residential property.
"The revised calculation only applies to non-residential properties including shopping centres and other retail premises, light industry, manufacturing, clubs, hotels, motels, caravan parks, aged care centres, retirement villages and nursing homes," said Tweed Shire Council in a media statement.
Water and Wastewater Business and Assets Engineer – Water Efficiency and Connections Elizabeth Seidl said the existing charge, based on the size of non-residential water meters, had resulted in smaller water users subsidising the Water Access Charge for large water users.
"In the Tweed, non-residential properties consume 27 to 29% of tap water, but historically they have contributed just 11% of total Water Access Charge revenue," she said.
"Considering the amount of water used by non-residential properties in the 2022–23 financial year, about $896,000 in additional revenue would be raised in the fourth year of the phase-in period due to the change in calculation.
"This is an estimate – non-residential property owners can minimise the amount they pay by reducing the amount of water used at their properties."
Under the revised calculation, almost 75% of non-residential properties will experience no increase in the amount payable for their Water Access Charge.
To support property owners who are likely to pay more, Council will minimise the impact by phasing-in the increase over four years.
