Coliban Water has announced a targeted bill relief package for customers in Harcourt following the bushfires that struck the community on 9 January.
The Bushfire Bill Relief Program is designed to reduce immediate financial pressure on households and businesses directly affected by the fires, while supporting broader community recovery efforts.
Managing Director Damian Wells said the initiative recognises the scale of the impact on the town.
“We know the fires have had a devastating impact on the whole community, and we know the road to recovery for Harcourt will be a long one,” Wells said. “We hope the support we’re providing will have an immediate positive impact on the whole community and ease some of the financial pressure for customers who have experienced the loss of their home or business.”
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Waived charges for affected urban customers
Urban customers in Harcourt who lost their primary dwelling or business will have their entire current quarterly bill waived. Fixed service charges will also be waived for the following quarter.
“This means customers who lost their homes will pay nothing now and only pay for any water they use on their property in the following quarter,” Wells explained.
The relief measures reflect the different billing structures across Coliban Water’s customer base. Rural customers who access water through channel and pipeline networks will receive $450 in bill relief, comprising a $300 rebate on their current bill and $150 off their next bill.
“All rural customers will receive $450 in bill relief, including a $300 rebate off their current bill and a further $150 rebate off their next bill. They may also be entitled to an additional $500 if the fires destroyed their primary dwelling,” Wells said.
Coliban Water will contact eligible customers directly to outline entitlements and next steps.
Community and hardship support
Beyond direct bill relief, the utility has committed an additional $6,000 to the Harcourt Progress Association through its Community Rebates Program to assist local recovery activities.
“We recognise the widespread impact the fires will continue to have on the whole community. Our contribution will ensure our whole-of-community support following the Do Not Drink Advisory caused by the fires can be directed exactly where the community believes it will be best spent,” Wells said.
The utility has also reiterated the availability of its Coliban Assist program, which provides access to Utility Relief Grants, financial counselling and hardship support services.
“I would encourage our customers to speak with us if they are having difficulties with their water bills, want to discuss their services, or just need a helping hand or some general advice,” Wells said. “Our message to Harcourt is clear. We’re here to do whatever we can to help and are only a phone call away.”