In response to the financial hardships faced by homeowners due to concealed leaks, the Palaszczuk Labor Government has introduced a relief scheme to provide much-needed assistance to affected residents. Concealed leaks, hidden underground water leaks, have been costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected water bills, pushing them into real financial distress.
The newly introduced South East Queensland Bulk Water Concealed Leak Remission Scheme, coupled with debt relief measures, seeks to ease the burden on homeowners who have experienced skyrocketing water bills due to concealed leaks. This policy offers substantial financial relief on the excess state bulk water charge, providing eligible pensioners with a 100% remission and all other customers with a 70% remission. This relief is in addition to the existing remission schemes implemented by the five South East Queensland water service providers.
Recognising the severe impact concealed leaks can have on households; the Palaszczuk Government is taking proactive steps to address the issue. Under this scheme, eligible families facing financial distress due to concealed leaks will be granted a one-time remission per the policy. Hidden leaks often go unnoticed until residents receive unusually high water bills. Since these leaks occur beyond the water meter, homeowners are held responsible for both the cost of the water lost and the necessary repairs.
Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, emphasised that the concealed leaks relief is a crucial cost-of-living measure designed to alleviate the financial pressure on Queenslanders. The government’s commitment to keeping water assets in public hands has enabled them to implement this relief scheme effectively. Moreover, the once-off remission provided to eligible customers facing concealed leak-related financial strain will be facilitated through the assistance of water service providers.
Minister Butcher encouraged homeowners to regularly check their water meters for any signs of potential concealed leaks on their properties to mitigate any future surprises in their water bills. The Palaszczuk Labor Government is committed to supporting residents in times of need. It aims to provide substantial relief to those affected by concealed leaks, as they recognise that such leaks are often difficult to detect and homeowners do not intentionally wastewater.
Homeowners impacted by concealed leaks are advised to contact their respective water service providers for further details on the scheme. Each provider’s website will soon publish information about the relief measures. Presently, all five South East Queensland water service providers, including Urban Utilities, Unitywater, Redland City Council, Logan City Council, and the City of Gold Coast, have remission policies that offer relief on service provider charges. However, only a few provide limited comfort on the state bulk water charge.
With this proactive approach to tackle concealed leak-related financial burdens, the Palaszczuk Labor Government aims to provide much-needed support and assurance to homeowners across the region.
