THE state government has merged the three south-east Queensland bulk water entities and moved to abolish the Queensland Water Commission.
The commission will be abolished on Sunday and most of its functions and services taken up by the Department of Energy and Water Supply by January 1, next year.
Water Minister Mark McArdle said reducing the number of water supply bureaucracies servicing South East Queensland from four to one would reduce the cost of supplying drinking water across the South East.
He said it was the government fulfilling its First 100 Day Action Plan.
Capalaba MP Steve Davies lauded this morning’s news and said Capalaba water consumers would benefit as the move would “reduce costs that translate into water bills”.
Mr Davies said the merger would “be a challenging task” but said it was necessary “to address the rising cost of living”, in particular in his electorate.
“The move will reduce administrative costs as well as board costs, which all translate into the pricing of water for families,” Mr Davies said.
“Simplifying the wasteful structure will benefit families and business across Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, Birkdale and Thorneside, where people have indicated they are feeling the pressure.”
On Sunday, Redland water retailer Allconnex will also be formally dissolved.
Allconnex consumers with complaints will be directed to the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland from July 1.
Energy and Water Ombudsman Forbes Smith said customers who had unresolved disputes with Redland, Gold Coast or Logan councils could contact his office.
The ombudsman, however, can only deal with complaints from residential water customers and small businesses whose consumption is less than 100 kilolitres per year.
It deals with issues such as disputed bills, difficulties paying a bill, customer service, restricted supply, connections, and sewerage blockages and spills.
All three Allconnex councils signed up to the ombudsman scheme after the state government passed legislation to disband the water retailer and give responsibility back to the councils.
The water ombudsman can be contacted on 1800 662 837 or www.ewoq.com.au
