Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (18:15): (2853) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Water. I raise concerns about the significant increase in water and sewer connection charges being applied by Coliban Water and the impact this is having on development and investment in Bendigo. Mr Justin Morris of Bendigo Lifestyle Village has raised concerns that a connection which cost around $3579 just three years ago is now costing more than $8100. That is an increase of more than 120 per cent. The village has approximately 20 further houses planned, meaning that if these charges continue at the current level, connection costs alone could exceed $160,000. The purpose of the development is to provide affordable accommodation, and he notes that they cannot simply pass an $8100-plus connection charge directly onto an individual purchaser.

I acknowledge that new customer contributions are approved by the Essential Services Commission and are intended to ensure new customers contribute to the cost of infrastructure required to service growth. However, legitimate questions have been raised about the scale of these increases and how Coliban Water’s charges compare with other Victorian water authorities. The action I seek is for the minister to review the current new customer contribution arrangements applying to Coliban Water and seek advice as to whether these changes are reasonable and equitable, particularly for regional developments creating significant new investment, housing and employment. I ask the minister to urgently consider whether there are appropriate mechanisms to support developments such as this, where significant up-front connection costs may ultimately constrain the delivery of additional housing in regional Victoria.