Details
Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 November 2025 13:33

Each year Council, with the assistance of the Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC), reviews the projected costs of delivering water services across our Region. This helps us set water prices that ensure we can continue to provide safe, reliable water while maintaining our infrastructure.

These costs are often referred to as ‘building blocks’ and include:

Operating costs – day-to-day expenses to run and maintain the water network, such as staff, equipment, maintenance, and administration.

Return of capital – the cost of renewing and replacing water infrastructure as it ages (also known as depreciation).

Return on capital – a fair return on the community’s investment in water infrastructure, including any interest on water-related debt.

Together, these building blocks make up what’s known as ‘full cost recovery’ a standard approach used by local governments to sustainably manage water and sewerage services.

As the water supply requires significant infrastructure, water system costs are largely fixed. Only 8% of our water supply costs vary directly with the volume of water produced (e.g. electricity, chemicals). This is because most water system costs relate to the capital investment required to maintain and upgrade water supply infrastructure.

 

Related information