#FactCheck – water costs need a closer look

Joel Richters, Labor’s candidate for Southern Downs, wants to set the record straight on water prices in the local community.

News broke Friday that a State Government levy increase of 3.94% would be dropped on Southern Downs residents. However the price change only impacts residents that are serviced from the SEQ Water Grid which is managed by Seqwater.

“People in our community were concerned after they were given misinformation on water prices in Southern Downs,” said Mr Richters.

“This is a community that have been affected by drought, and have had their lives impacted by the global pandemic, they don’t need this distraction.

“I’m pleased though to see that Southern Downs Regional Council have proposed no increase for water fees in the draft budget” said Mr Richters. “It rightfully recognises that rural Queensland is doing it tough through the drought and Coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to focus on getting us through these trying times, as we unite and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

“The Palaszczuk Government have done a fantastic job in leading us through this crisis, and I want to be in a team that is focused solely on getting Queensland back on track and revitalising our local economy.”