FAQs

The rates notice displays the total complex site value at the top of the notice. At the bottom of the notice is the individual unit valuation (apportionment/entitlement/share). This is what is used to calculate the rates levied.

Following the Queensland Government’s decision to construct the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline, the Gladstone Area Water Board (who own and manage the pipeline) are passing on a water security charge to all users of the Lake Awoonga Water Scheme to fund the ongoing operation and construction costs of the pipeline. Council has strongly advocated against this charge and maintains that our ratepayers should not be left with the burden of these costs. Council has, however, received $10M in Queensland Government assistance towards the $13.2M water security charge. This funding will help ease the financial impact of this charge; however, the remaining cost is passed on to Lake Awoonga Water Scheme users, which means residents connected to the Lake Awoonga Water Scheme will pay $71.81 this financial year for a residential connection. While the contribution from the Queensland Government is welcome, at this stage it is a one-off payment, and Council will continue to advocate for a fair, long-term solution. 

Users of the Agnes Water Seventeen Seventy Water Scheme, Bororen Water Scheme, and Miriam Vale Water Scheme are not subject to the Lake Awoonga Water Scheme water security charge and are not eligible for the associated Government subsidy.

Water charges are determined on a user pays basis and collected to fully recover the cost of provision of infrastructure and the cost of operating and maintaining the water supply system.

The water charges on rate notices are charged on a two-part tariff (fixed cost and consumption) system comprising of:

Water Availability Charge: for all properties (vacant or developed) within the serviceable area a fixed cost component is levied.

Water Consumption Charge: a charge for every kilolitre (1,000 litres) you use. Your average daily consumption in litres is shown on the graph on your six-monthly water notice.

It is suggested that discussion is had with your solicitor or conveyancer who dealt with the property purchase. Council is unaware of property sale contractual agreements.

Council will issue rate notices to property owner at the time of levy.

You will need to contact Council to confirm if you have water access charges, water available for connection and any water consumption charges if you did not receive a notice or you believe it to be incorrect.

Gladstone Regional Council has worked with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to be involved in My Council Story.

This initiative provides interactive and visual tools for residents to better understand their local government area in context to other similar or neighbouring Councils. It also provides a clear snapshot of our local government area – it tells the whole story of our community.