Wellington East households may pay $2750 each for water scheme
The Coorong council and SA Water are asking for feedback on the latest version of a plan to supply residents with clean, safe drinking water.
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Wellington East property owners may have to pay $2750 per household to connect to mains water when it becomes available in the area.
The first of two public meetings will be held this Thursday to gauge feedback from residents.
At present, properties at Wellington East only have access to non-potable river water – that is, water not fit for human consumption – via a scheme managed by the Coorong council.
Residents must collect their own rainwater for drinking and bathing.
However, with the area’s population growing fast, a proposal is on the table to connect households to a safe, clean mains supply operated by SA Water.
The federal government has promised $1.9 million for the $2.45 million project, and the council hopes residents will be able to make up the difference.
The $2750 fee would be payable over two financial years, between 2026 and 2028.
Flexible payment options would be made available, as would relief for residents doing it tough.
If the project came in under budget, any leftover funds would be returned to residents.
The Coorong council’s capital works manager, Joel Eckermann, and representatives of SA Water will be available to answer questions at the two upcoming public meetings.
The first meeting will be held at the Wellington Hall at 6pm this Thursday, and the second at the Tailem Bend council chambers at 6pm next Thursday; the second meeting will be live-streamed online.
Cost was residents’ main concern during the last round of public consultation about the project, more than 18 months ago.
The takeover of the Wellington East water scheme was originally floated after the 2022-23 River Murray floods, when it became clear that residents’ health could be put at risk if sub-standard water were pumped into their homes.
The system was also at capacity anyway, and would need significant investment to cope with population growth.
- More information: Attend the meeting at Wellington Hall at 6pm this Thursday, September 4, or the one at the Tailem Bend council chambers at 6pm next Thursday, September 11; visit www.coorong.sa.gov.au; or contact Joel Eckermann on 1300 785 277.
- Have your say: Fill in the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com by 5pm on September 26.
