Unitywater

News Summary:

Unitywater is undertaking $1.8 million in valve works to prevent pipe breaks, with crews upgrading air and scour valves at 71 sites across Image Flat, Landers Shute in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and Jinker Track in Moreton Bay to avoid pressure surges in water mains. Previously, on June 24, the utility announced its 2026-27 pricing, revealing an average annual customer bill increase of 3.5%, or $63, starting July 1. CEO Anna Jackson noted this increase is lower than the 4.2% Consumer Price Index recorded in April. This pricing adjustment supports an approximate $2 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, crucial for connecting new customers and maintaining service levels. The investment aims to help meet the Queensland Government's target of building 215,000 new homes over the next two decades across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. Earlier, on June 18, Unitywater accelerated its digital water meter rollout, having installed around 4,000 meters across its service region since March 2026. This technology has helped identify potential leaks, leading to over 160 notifications issued to customers and improving water use insights. This follows a June 15 initiative encouraging Noosa residents to refill rather than landfill, urging a swap from single-use plastic bottles to reusable ones. Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Joshua Zugajev highlighted the environmental and budgetary benefits of choosing tap water over bottled water as part of this effort to reduce waste and promote healthy hydration.