Standpipe prices reviewed

South Burnett Regional Council would like to advise that following enquiries from residents regarding the cost of standpipe water in comparison to current water scheme charges Council, at the General meeting held Wednesday 17 June 2020 endorsed the recommendation to increase standpipe water charges from $4.10 per kilolitre to $10.00 per kilolitre. 

Council undertook a review of its standpipe charges as a result of water restriction reviews, enquiries made by people across the region regarding the comparison of scheme charges, and as a result of having uncontrolled consumption of water from standpipes particularly when supply restrictions are in place.

Council’s water supply schemes are supplied from water allocations and are only designed to support connected users to the networks. Allocations are managed through restrictions and tiered pricing to minimise use as much as possible. Due to these restrictions, Council does not have capacity to supply a standpipe connection to the Kingaroy reticulation network as the system cannot provide additional uncontrolled water. 

Standpipes are available to support rural households when domestic supply from tanks is under critical conditions. As previously mentioned, standpipes are not under any restrictions and consumption is primarily managed through pricing to encourage responsible self-restriction for domestic use only, similar to the purpose of a tiered system pricing on a water scheme. Over consumption of standpipe water in turn reduces reliability and security of the supply. 

The justification pricing for standpipes considered a number of factors to establish a reasonable price that ensures the standpipes can continue to support rural residences for critical domestic use whilst minimising the impact on the security of town water supplies.   Council has received mixed reactions within the community in relation to the price change and will work on improving its communication on key issues in the future. Any person who wishes to understand the price change further are encouraged to review Council’s Standpipe Charges fact sheet, and whilst Council will uphold its existing decision, we see this as the first step in communicating the rationale and facts of the need for this decision.  

Council would like to remind residents that tap-and-go credit/debit water standpipes can be found at Nanango, Blackbutt, Benarkin and Hivesville. Potable water (drinking quality) can be purchased at Nanango, Blackbutt and Benarkin standpipes, with non-potable water (only) available at Hivesville.

Standpipes are located at:

• Nanango – Brisbane Street (high-flow)
• Blackbutt – Bowmans Road (high-flow and low-flow)
• Benarkin – Scotts Street (high-flow)
• Hivesville – Intersection Starr Street & Hivesville Road (non-potable water / high-flow) 

Instructions for use are displayed at all standpipes. A 25mm hose is available, however customers will need to provide their own 50mm cam lock and hose to use the larger connection. The payment system is operated by the tap-and-go Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card system and transactions are limited to a minimum of $1 and maximum $99 per transaction. The cost per kilolitre is $10.00. 

For further information regarding the standpipes please see the attached Factsheet, visit Council’s website, or contact Council's Water and Wastewater section on 4189 9100 or email.