Introduction
Price Submission 2028 – Planning for tomorrow's water services today
As a Victorian Government authority, Southern Rural Water manages water resources across the south of the state and ensure fair, equitable access for customers and communities. We operate on a cost-recovery basis, with prices reviewed and approved by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), the independent regulator.
Our next Price Submission will set the prices, services and investments from 2028 to 2033. As part of this planning, we'll be seeking customer and community input.
Planning now helps us balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s challenges, from customer expectations to climate variability and the cost of maintaining vital water infrastructure.
Over the coming months, we’ll share updates, surveys and opportunities to get involved.
Why this matters
The choices made through the 2028 Price Submission will shape how Southern Rural Water sets prices through to June 2033. Far beyond the daily costs of providing access or delivery of water, it’s about ensuring our services are future-fit to support you, your communities and the environment.
Engagement process for 2028 planning
The current price period
Our current five-year Price Submission was approved in June 2023 and runs until 30 June 2028. Each year, we submit annual prices through our Corporate Plan, which outlines key activities and investments aligned to the approved 2023 Price Submission.
What can I see has happened since last Price Submission 2023?
Reliable water
We met our performance indicators for reliable water for our customers with the modernisation leading to less extended unplanned outages and more orders delivered on the agreed days.
Sustainable water
We hosted water sales in the Macalister Irrigation District of 1,000 megalitres saved through modernisation of open channels to pipelines.
Enhanced enforcement activities continue towards zero unauthorised take and use. We implement the Minister for Water’s call for a zero-tolerance approach to water theft.
Great service
We have met our targets for great service conducting additional drain clearing in the irrigation districts.
Community value
We have met our net zero carbon emission targets via 100% renewable energy and behind the meter solar projects, efficiency upgrades and the roll out of zero emission vehicles. Our remaining emissions have been offset with certified carbon credits attained through an Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) trade agreement with Wannon Water.
Fair and reasonable prices
We have committed to $125m of capital expenditure over the current pricing period which includes completion of the modernisation of the districts. This is on track to be achieved.
We have continued our ambitious capital programs whilst keeping to our pricing pathway commitments with our customers.
Our engagement approach
We follow the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) public spectrum participation framework. Through this, customers and stakeholders will be able to:
- Provide feedback on priorities.
- Test service and investment trade-offs.
- Contribute to value outcomes.
- Help shape long-term decisions.
Engagement will occur through:
- Surveys and feedback opportunities
- Information sessions
- Direct stakeholder engagement
- A “get in touch” webform
FAQs
(1 April – Inform)
-
Why is Southern Rural Water reviewing its future prices?
Every five years, we plan our services and prices to cover our work over the next five years in a Price Submission.
This is then independently checked and approved by the Essential Services Commission. They make sure prices are fair and reasonable and that our costs reflect prudent and efficient expenditure.
The Price Submission reflects priorities and expectations for water services for our customers, as well as how we manage water access for regional communities and the environment.
-
How does Southern Rural Water determine its prices?
We consult with our customers and communities to understand what matters most, so we can balance the services our customers rely on with meeting our obligations managing rural water resources.
Our prices cover water services, investment in infrastructure and operations and managing risks to long-term water access, including climate variability and regional growth.
In simple terms, a Price Submission links what customers pay and the services they receive.
-
When will the next Price Submission take effect?
The next Price Submission will take effect from 1 July 2028 to 30 June 2033
We are operating under the current Price Submission, which came into effect on 1 July 2023. Every year, the Essential Services Commission checks and approve our prices for delivery against the priorities identified in the current Price Submission.
-
How will the Price Submission be prepared?
We follow a well-established process set by the Essential Services Commission, often referred to as PREMO.
This means we focus on:
- Performance – how we’re delivering today
- Risk – how we’re managing future challenges
- Engagement – how we involve customers in shaping decisions
- Management – how we plan and deliver our services
- Outcomes – what customers can expect in return
Customer engagement is a big part of this – we use feedback to help guide our priorities and decisions.
-
How can I get involved?
There are a few ways to have your say:
- Attend a community or online information session (see below).
- Complete a survey.
- Provide feedback online.
Date Time Engagement events Location Tuesday, 5 May 11am - 1pm Maffra (in person) Maffra office, 88 Johnsn Street Thursday, 7 May 1pm - 3pm Bacchus Marsh (in person) Laurels Education & Training, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh Tuesday, 12 May 12pm - 2pm Werribee (in person) Werribee office, 1 Tower Street Wednesday, 13 May 11am - 12pm Town Hall (online) Register here Thursday, 14 May 12pm - 2pm Warrnambool (in person) Warrnambool office, 132 Fairy Street Reach out any time via online suggestion form
-
When can I get involved?
Engagement happens throughout the planning process, with key opportunities in the lead-up to submitting our plan.
We’ll promote dates and ways to get involved on our website and through customer communications.
-
How will the Price Submission be approved?
Once we’ve developed our proposal, we’ll submit it to the Essential Services Commission. They’ll review it to make sure:
- Prices are fair and reasonable.
- There’s a clear link between price and service.
- Customer feedback has been properly considered.
The Essential Services Commission will review and consider all these aspects before approving the final plan. They will also seek public feedback on our submission and the draft determination.
-
When will the Price Submission for 2028 to 2033 be submitted for review?
As per the above timeline, we are consulting with our customers and communities in 2026. We’ll submit the Price Submission to the Essential Services Commission for approval in early 2027.
We’ll be engaging with our customers and communities via different forums; however, you are welcome to reach out to us any time with questions, or to find out more.
To get in touch, email us anytime at PS28Engage@SRW.com.au.
-
Where can I get a copy of the existing Price Submission?
You can view our current Price Submission on our website. It outlines the services, investments and prices for the current five-year period.
Get in Touch
Have a question, comment, or suggestion? Get in touch with us using the form below.