2022-2026 prices
In May 2022, IPART released its final Determination on the maximum prices Central Coast Council can charge its customers for water, wastewater and other water-related services in the 4 years from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026. View media release (24 May 2022).
Water, sewerage and stormwater drainage service charges are included on your quarterly water bills together with your water and sewer usage charges. All residential properties are deemed to have a 20mm meter. Non-residential properties charges are based on the size of the water meter, unless they are part of a mixed multi premise (combination of residential and non-residential properties).
Water and sewerage charges
Water service charges pay for the availability of the water supply and for future work to secure it. This also applies to vacant land, where water is available.
Central Coast Council reads water meters on a rolling quarterly basis, with a water account issued after each reading. All property types pay a water usage charge based on the volume of water that passes through the water meter, with strata plans paying a percentage of the shared meter as defined by the strata plan. Water usage charges are applied for every kilolitre (thousand litres) of water used.
Sewerage service charges apply to all properties that can readily connect to Council’s sewerage system. Most residential properties and vacant land have a fixed sewerage charge and the cost for non-residential properties is based on the size of the water meter. Trade waste charges may apply to some non-residential properties and will depend upon percentage of water discharged to the sewer.
Stormwater drainage charge
The stormwater drainage charge allows Council to sustainably manage its stormwater drainage network. The charges are used to fund the maintenance and replacement of existing stormwater drainage infrastructure and for the construction of new stormwater drainage infrastructure on a priority basis. Council continues to expand the region’s stormwater drainage network with the stormwater drainage network providing a regional benefit to all community members.
The stormwater drainage charge for the Central Coast Council Local Government Area has been set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and will remain in place until 30 June 2026. The charges apply to all rateable properties located within Central Coast Council’s Declared Drainage Areas Map. This declaration was made under the Water Management Act in former Gosford City Council in 1991 and former Wyong Shire Council in 2009.
Low Impact stormwater drainage charge
Businesses and Non-Residential Properties which have taken steps to reduce the impact of their stormwater drainage discharge can apply to Council for consideration of a discounted Low Impact stormwater drainage charge. The Low Impact rate is equivalent to the minimum charge for Businesses and Non-Residential Properties.
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No. Due to their homogenous nature and minimal impact on the stormwater drainage network, Farmland and certain other Non-Residential Property types have been automatically categorised as Low Impact. These properties do not need to apply to Council for the Low Impact rate. The criteria for the Low Impact Property by default is listed below:
- Properties categorised as ‘Farmland’ under s518 of the Local Government Act
- Properties categorised as ‘Business’ or ‘Mining’ under s518 of the Local Government Act that have at least 90% of the Property’s land area located within one of the following Local Environmental Plan Zonings
- Recreational Zone
- Environmental Protection Zone; or
- Waterway Zone.
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A formal application must be made to Council that includes a completed copy of the
Low Impact Stormwater Drainage Application Form. Council also requires the submission of appropriate documentation to support the application. The completed application form and supporting documentation can be submitted to Council by visiting one of Council’s Customer Service centres, via the post or preferably by emailing ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.Council will assess the application against the set technical criteria, review the supporting documentation and, where required, undertake inspections to verify the information provided. A straightforward application will be processed within 15 working days.
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The stormwater drainage charges allow Council to sustainably manage its stormwater drainage network. The charges are used to fund the maintenance and replacement of existing stormwater drainage infrastructure as well as the construction of new stormwater drainage infrastructure as Council continues to expand its stormwater drainage network.
The stormwater drainage network provides a regional benefit to all community members. It ensures community infrastructure is protected, protects our natural assets, connects communities and supports access to work, recreation and critical services.
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The Low Impact Stormwater Drainage Discount Process Map shows the process undertaken by Council for requests relating to the Low Impact stormwater drainage discount.
Council assesses applications received against the following set technical criteria:
Criteria Application Requirement Documentation 1. Drainage Connections
Mandatory for all Applicants. There are no illegal connections between the stormwater and sewerage systems. Certificate of compliance from a licenced plumber, confirming there are no illegal connections between the stormwater and sewerage systems 2. Property Details
Applicants who meet Criteria 1 and Criteria 2 are eligible for the Low Impact Property rate and are not required to meet Criteria 3. The percentage of pervious or natural area on the property is greater than or equal to 90% of the total property area. Property area, impervious area (roof area plus hardstand area) and natural area in square metres are mandatory fields in the Low Impact Property Application form. Council staff will perform desktop analyses and field checks to confirm the information provided. 3. Stormwater Management Measures:
3.1. Stormwater Detention and Retention Systems
3.2. Stormwater Treatment Systems
Applicants who meet Criteria 1 but do not meet Criteria 2 must achieve both Criteria 3.1 and Criteria 3.2 to be eligible for the Low Impact Property rate. The Stormwater Management Measures employed on the Property must:
3.1. Limit post development flows from the site to less than or equal to predevelopment flows for all storm events up to and including the 1% AEP storm event. Predevelopment site condition should be based on a vacant site with no impervious area. 50% of the volume of any Rainwater Tank can be claimed as part of the On Site Detention volume.
3.2. Achieve the following minimum reductions in total pollutant load when compared to untreated stormwater runoff from the Property:
• 80% reduction in Solids: suspended solids and gross pollutants (grit, sediment, leaves, grass clippings, litter)
• 45% reduction in Nutrients: Total Phosphorus and Total NitrogenA report prepared by a suitably qualified consultant confirming that the Stormwater Management Measures meet the Low Impact Property requirements. The report should include design details, hydraulic analyses, performance modelling and a statement confirming that the Measures are operational and regularly maintained. As a general guide:
3.1. DRAINS or an equivalent hydraulic model should be used to demonstrate Criteria 3.1 has been met.
3.2. MUSIC or an equivalent water quality model should be used to demonstrate Criteria 3.2 has been met.
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If the Stormwater Management Measures were conditions of development consent and have been approved by Council, the applicant must submit the Certified DA report, Occupancy Certificate and a statement confirming that the Measures remain operational and are regularly maintained. -
All Non-Residential Properties which have taken steps to reduce the impact of their stormwater discharge can apply to Council for consideration of the Low Impact rate. The Low Impact rate is $130.07 per year which is equivalent to the minimum charge for Businesses and Non-Residential Properties.
To be eligible for the discounted Low Impact stormwater drainage charge, the applicant must meet the set technical criteria, complete the appropriate application form and return the form with the required supporting documentation to Council for assessment.