Urban Utilities sets forth for the 2026–27 financial year with $422 million to be spent on infrastructure across its south-east Queensland network.

This will see the capacity and resilience of pumps, pipes, reservoirs and treatment plants increased to support climate change and new housing.

“Our region is changing, and we’re changing with it. We’re planning well ahead to ensure we can deliver the services needed to protect the lifestyle we love here in south-east Queensland for generations to come,” Urban Utilities chief executive officer Paul Arnold said.

“Our ageing network requires significant investment to meet the demands of population growth and a changing climate. As more people call our region home, the cost of maintaining safe and reliable services will steadily increase.”

The average Urban Utilities household water and sewerage bill will increase by 3.7 per cent for FY27, with Arnold suggesting cost management was a growing challenge for water service providers and councils as assets age and populations grow.

“We know the rising cost of living is putting pressure on household budgets, and we take that seriously,” he said. “That’s why our communities are at the heart of every decision we make – what we invest in and when, how we prioritise our responsive jobs and how we set our prices.

“We’re working hard to keep pace with the rapid rate of growth across our region, but we can’t afford to slow down.

“Delaying investment in critical water and wastewater infrastructure is not an option as it protects the health, hygiene and liveability of our communities.”

Urban Utilities provides water and sewerage services to more than 1.6 million residents in south-east Queensland, spanning the local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset.

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