King Islanders not immune to likely water bill rises

Tasmanian councils are set to receive increased dividends from TasWater over the next five years, even as households face proposed water bill increases of nearly 40 per cent by 2030.

Despite the 2019 upgrade of King Island’s TasWater infrastructure which included a new treatment plant in Grassy and upgraded pipeworks between Grassy and Currie, TasWater has confirmed that the island will be included in TasWater’s proposed new cost structures and increases.

King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie acknowledged the challenge the increases may pose but emphasised the broader benefits for Tasmania and King Island in particular.

“We understand that these price rises won’t be popular, but they are the right thing to do for Tasmania now and into the future,” Mayor Blackie said. “We are decreasing the cost of the fixed component of the bill, so if you use less water, you’ll pay less.”

He added that TasWater had provided crucial support to King Island in recent years and continues to play a vital role in local infrastructure development.

“Council will examine the proposed TasWater increases and then act as we deem necessary in support of King Island interests,” Mayor Blackie said. “It is important to note contextually, King Island are disproportionate beneficiaries overall of the TasWater construct, as we could not afford to run modern water and sewage networks as a small, isolated council.”

Around half of King Island’s population relies on town water and sewage, with the remainder using rainwater tanks and septic systems. Council is currently working with TasWater to extend water and sewage services north of Currie, including connections to the airport precinct.

“To their credit, TasWater also met the huge spike in potable water demand last year during our drought. All of these factors should be taken into consideration moving forward,” Mayor Blackie said.

The final TasWater plan is now under review by the Tasmanian Economic Regulator, with a decision expected before the new pricing framework comes into effect in mid-2026.