Golf club spends $30k on water changes, only for policy to change
Tasmanian businesses and sporting clubs faced significant water charge increases after a TasWater policy change. Some spent big on new infrastructure in response, but the policy was then watered down.
Mowbray Golf Club in Launceston has spent an estimated $30,000 on water infrastructure upgrades in response to a TasWater policy change, which has now been reversed. The golf club faced a significant increase in their water bill from $20,000 to about $40,000 after the policy change on July 1. TasWater decided to charge the club based on the size of its water pipe connection instead of sewerage usage.
The club's 100-millimetre connection, which was only used during drought conditions, was disconnected and replaced with a 50-millimetre connection, resulting in a doubling of their water bill. In response to the policy change, TasWater announced it would reduce fixed sewerage charges and charge 100mm connections as 20mm connections, offering refunds for bills paid since July 1.
However, the change came too late for Mowbray Golf Club, leaving them questioning why they had spent the money. TasWater's general manager of customers and community, Callan Paske, stated that the water authority was aware of other clubs and businesses that had made changes to their connections based on TasWater's advice and that they are working with those impacted to find a solution.
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