• Businesses with four or more wastewater fixtures may be eligible to have their service charges waived for the period 1 May – 31 August 2020
• Measure targets hospitality and tourism providers most affected by COVID-19
• Charges from four to 200 fixtures will be waived for all businesses who are eligible for JobKeeper payments

Don Punch MLA has welcomed a new measure to further help local Bunbury businesses financially recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The additional assistance will provide relief to Western Australian businesses most impacted by COVID-19, and help support the State's economy to recover.

Wastewater service charges are applied to commercial customers based on the customer’s number of major fixtures (toilet, urinal or pan washer). This longstanding wastewater tariff structure is considered the most equitable way of sharing the significant costs of meeting ‘peak demand’.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses across the State and providing relief to fixed wastewater service charges is one of the ways the McGowan Government is assisting businesses as we continue the process of restarting the State’s economy.

Businesses who are eligible for JobKeeper payments with four or more fixtures can apply to have their wastewater service charges waived (fourth to 200th fixture inclusive) for the period 1 May – 31 August 2020.

Businesses can receive up to approximately $41,000 in relief through this measure. The measure is estimated to cost the State Budget $5.5 million.

The scheme will be implemented on an application basis via Water Corporation’s website or by calling its customer contact centre.  Applications will open from 2 June 2020.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"We are providing wastewater charge relief to the Western Australian business community, particularly regional tourism accommodation providers, who have been doing it tough.

"Necessary measures put in place to contain COVID-19 have presented unprecedented challenges to many in the tourism sector.

“Our announcement today will see eligible businesses have their wastewater service charges significantly reduced, which I hope will provide more confidence as travel restrictions are removed.

“This further commitment is only possible due to our Government’s disciplined financial management, which has put us in a strong position on what will be a long road of recovery.”

Comments attributed to Don Punch MLA:

“The COVID – 19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for our hospitality and tourism sectors so I am really pleased the McGowan Government continues to identify new ways to support these businesses.

“This measure will provide some further assistance to help keep the doors open for many of our local businesses.

“As restrictions ease and more of our hospitality businesses reopen, I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy a meal or catch up with friends for coffee and cake to support our small Bunbury businesses.”