RATEPAYERS could potentially save $36 a year on water charges if a move by the Redland City Council is successful.
Council has urged the state government to freeze its charges for bulk water and business waste so savings can be passed on to ratepayers.
The government's state bulk water charge is set to rise by 3.5 per cent from July 1, adding $3.94 per quarter to the average bill.
Mayor Karen Williams said maintaining the charges at 2019-20 levels would help to ease the burden on residents and businesses as council managed the impacts of COVID-19.
"It would allow council to deliver this month's recovery budget based on the lowest and most accurate water and waste costs, supporting us in our efforts to reboot the local economy and provide the services residents tell us they want while helping those adversely impacted by COVID-19," Cr Williams said.
But Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said government had already put in place a $300 million household relief package for households in March.
"That included $200 off household utility bills - $100 for power, $100 for water. That's building on the $50 asset dividend we have already announced off power bills," he said.
The new water charge was based on recommendations from the Queensland Competition Authority before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Williams said a freeze on charges was outside of council's control.
"Bulk water costs and the commercial waste levy are passed on to users and the saving from a freeze would be significant. For bulk water alone, the published price for July suggests it would be around $36 a year for average users," said Cr Williams
Dr Lynham said about half of Queensland households had already received their $200 payment on their power bills.
"A price freeze for an average Redlands household would only provide a saving of around $30, compared to the $100 relief the government has provided," he said.
Cr Williams said the cost increases had a budget impact and council wanted to ensure that every cent at its disposal was available to support the community by bringing forward infrastructure projects that would help support the local economy and jobs.
She said council's 2020-21 budget was due to be delivered on Thursday, June 25, despite the state budget being postponed.
