With seasonal allocations on the Broken, Campaspe, Loddon and Bullarook systems at less than 30% on 1 December 2009, Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) has confirmed that customers on these systems will receive the Victorian Government's Drought Assistance Rebate. G-MW customers on the unregulated Campaspe, Goulburn, Kiewa tributary streams, Loddon, Mitta, Ovens, King and Murray system tributary streams and the southern part of the East Loddon Water District which is supplied by the Loddon River will also benefit from the rebate assistance.
G-MW Managing Director David Stewart explained that customers do not need to apply for the rebate as it will be deducted from the revised accounts that G-MW will issue to eligible customers.
"The rebate would provide around $2.5 million of financial relief to around 5,000 customers on a number of our regulated and unregulated systems. The assistance is extremely welcome for these customers and their communities," said Mr Stewart.
The following systems are eligible:
Regulated systems
Broken, Campaspe, Loddon, and Bullarook regulated systems.
Unregulated systems
Campaspe, Goulburn, Kiewa tributary streams (not the main river), Loddon, Mitta, Ovens, King and Murray unregulated systems tributary streams (not the main river).
Other systems
Southern part of the East Loddon Water District (supplied by Loddon River)
The revised accounts will reflect any payments and installments already made by customers. Customers can apply for a refund if their account is in credit and further information on this process will be included with the revised account. Listed companies and managed investment schemes are not eligible for the rebate.
G-MW has also extended payment due dates for Broken, Campaspe, Loddon, and Bullarook system customers. Second installment payments and payments in full are due by 16 January. Third and fourth installment payments will be due on 16 February and 16 March respectively.
"Information will be included with the revised accounts. We ask customers to read this information and contact G-MW if they have any further queries," said Mr Stewart.
Existing payment arrangements and dates are unchanged for all other customers including the Murray and Goulburn regulated systems.
"I understand that the regulated system customers in the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens and King systems may be disappointed at not receiving the rebate, and we recognise that many customers are still facing extremely difficult conditions, but the improved water allocations will be far more valuable to their farm businesses," said Mr Stewart.
Mr Stewart encouraged any G-MW customers experiencing financial hardship to contact G-MW on 1300 553 200 to discuss possible arrangements. Details on any drought related service or assistance is available from the Drought Information Line on phone 136 186 or at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/drought
- ENDS -
Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Manager Stakeholder Relations
Telephone: 03 5833 5776 or 0412 183 792