Ratepayers in Strathbogie Shire have some of the lowest typical annual water bills in the state, according to data compiled by the Essential Services Commission (ESC). The data is part of the commission's approved tariff schedules for Victorian water businesses, which are released every year following a review of the businesses' respective pricing proposals. The schedules outline the maximum prices each water business can charge their customers for specific services, with tariff increases having come into effect on 1 July. The average annual water bill for owner-occupier households will increase by around $32 in Melbourne and by around $33 in regional Victoria (compared to 2024–25), with Goulburn Valley Water (GVW), the shire region provider, increasing bills by an average of $29 per annum, landing at the lower end of the scale. Water bills vary across the state depending on factors such as water usage, changes in borrowing costs and inflation. Inflation (2.4 per cent) is the main driver for the increase in 2025–26 owner-occupier bills, with Strathbogie Shire residents looking at a 2.9 cent increase on their water bills, bringing the average water bill up from $998 in 2024-2025 to $1027 in the new financial year. Despite the increase, Goulburn Valley Water still holds the title for having the lowest typical annual water bills in Victoria. “Goulburn Valley Water continues to deliver the lowest water bills, driven by our efficient operations, modern infrastructure, and a strong focus on customer affordability,” said Jonno Bellette, general manager Customers and Growth GVW. GVW's region includes all of the shire, and extends from the outskirts of Melbourne in the south to the Murray River in the north, covering approximately 20,000 sqkm. The provider's bulk water supply is principally sourced from the Goulburn, Broken, Murray, Steavenson, Rubicon, and Delatite River systems and a number of smaller local streams including Sunday Creek and Seven Creeks River. Households falling under provider Lower Murray Water register the highest average usage at 480 kL per annum, however GVW comes in next with the second highest water consumption in the state sitting at 260 kL per year. With the region experiencing ongoing dry conditions and water storage levels sitting low, residents are being asked to reduce water usage to avoid restrictions. “Unlike some water utilities, we do not supply irrigation water," Mr Belette said. "However, our region’s semi-rural environment means that, on average, our residential customers consume more water than most other parts of the state. “Our tiered pricing structure ensures fairness while encouraging water conservation.” GVW confirmed they were working hard to keep prices as affordable as possible for customers while continuing to invest in infrastructure and service improvements.
