Holding Tank Pump-out

Prior to amalgamation there were differing service levels and subsidies offered to owners of holding tanks. Council has maintained these service/subsidy levels for the 12 month period following amalgamation.

During 2009/10 budget discussions, council decided to align the subsidies and review the future contract to provide a more flexible service to users.

The following changes took effect from 1 July 2009:

In the 2009/10 financial year, the holding tank subsidy will be reduced by 50% from the previous 2009/09 financial year.
In the 2010/11 financial year, holding tank services will be charged at the full rate (no subsidy offered).
Under a new contract, services will be offered with a flexibile arrangement of weekly, fortnightly four weekly or twelve weekly basis from 1 July 2010.

What does this mean in financial terms?

The new pump-out contract is open to tender and at present the exact costs are not known. This makes informing the community difficult as council can only base the changes on the current pricing structures. All figures used below are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change including CPI increases.

Once contract prices are available council will inform the community. This page will be updated at that time.

Note: The 2010/11 prices have been based on prices in the 2009/10 financial year.

		Caloundra	Maroochy	Noosa
2008/09	Full cost of service	$2906	$1355	$1755
	Average annual charge to residents	$1820	$ 896	$1755
	Average subsidy	$1086	$ 459	$0

2009/10	Full cost of service (disposal charges reduced in south)	$2067	$1355	$1872
	Average annual charge to residents	$1924	$1120	$1872
	Average subsidy	$143	$235	$0

2010/11	Full cost of service	$2067	$1355	$1872
	Average annual charge to residents	$2067	$1355	$1872
	Average subsidy	$0	$0	$0

Water savings count

Under the new system you will be financially rewarded for reducing your water use. From 1 July 2010, council will assess new frequencies for pump-outs based on the previous year’s usage rates.

Example: John has a 4500 litre tank. He has reduced his water usage to 2000 litres per fortnight, meaning that it would take over four weeks to fill his tank. In 2009/10 no matter how full John’s tank, he will still pay the same for a fortnightly pump-out service.

However in 2010/11, because John reduces his usage to less than half his tank's capacity in the previous year, he would be offered a four weekly pump-out, costing less as he only pays for the number of pump-out services he requires. Under the new contract, residents will be able to reduce the cost of servicing their holding tank by installing water-saving devices and observing water conservation practices. This will reduce the amount of waste water entering the holding tank system and save money on water bills.

Suggestions include:

divert greywater into the garden rather than the holding tank
fix dripping taps
install a low flow showerhead and dual flush toilets
reduce shower times
join council’s free Living Smart homes program and learn how to reduce water consumption
apply for government funding initiatives such as the climate smart home service and greywater/rainwater installation rebate.

Government rebates

Greywater

As part of the $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan, the government is delivering the $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to help people use water wisely in their everyday lives.

ClimateSmart

Now that the Queensland Government's ClimateSmart Home Service is here, everyone can do their bit to save energy, money and the environment. The service cost is $50 and will help you reduce your home's carbon footprint. It can also help you save up to $325 on your water and energy bills a year.

Further information

Fact sheet [PDF 254KB] on holding tanks and infill sewerage program.