G-MW customer accounts issued later this month

Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) customers will receive their annual accounts in late September instead of late July as a result of billing system changes. Account payment is due 30 December 2007, but customers will receive a 2 percent discount for payment in full by 30 October 2007 and can also take advantage of an instalment program.

According to G-MW’s Managing Director Russell Cooper, G-MW is committed to ensuring its customers are informed of developments.

“In such a difficult year it is probably another matter customers haven’t wanted to focus on, so we are issuing this statement to clarify arrangements and assist customers in their financial planning for the year ahead,” said Mr Cooper.

Changes to G-MW’s billing system as a result of unbundling, and the flow on effects for other bodies such as Australia Post are the key reasons for the delay.

“The new business systems see changes to account bar codes. Australia Post will need to make adjustments to their own software to be able to read the new codes. The Australia Post changes will be completed during the first week of October” explained Mr Cooper.

Customers can expect to receive their accounts during the last week of September however those customers choosing to pay their accounts at the Post Office will need to wait until after 3 October to present their accounts for payment.

Customers will also need to refer to their new account statements when paying their account by BPay as this reference number has also changed.

The accounts will follow the tariff changes introduced last year and cover infrastructure access and use fees.

“These charges reflect the costs associated with delivering water to customers across the region – G-MW doesn’t charge for the actual water, just the infrastructure that stores customers’ water entitlements and delivers it to farms,” said Mr Cooper.

Mr Cooper also explained that lower allocations would have little bearing on the system’s operating costs.

“Where we can we are looking to minimise costs, but the drought is also increasing the stress on our infrastructure and has increased the importance of activities such as leak detection,” said Mr Cooper.

Customers seeking further information about their account or other payment matters can contact their local area office or G-MW Tatura on 1800 013 357

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Position: Manager Corporate Communications

Telephone: 5833 8776 or 0412 183 792