SA Water has released a Development Industry Report, outlining the work currently underway that is designed to achieve a significant shift in SA Water’s business, based on industry priorities.
Water and the River Murray Minister, Ian Hunter, said the report highlights SA Water’s focus on working more closely with industry to encourage economic growth and planning reform.
“The development industry together with SA Water as the major water supplier in the state, play a key role in the state’s economic development,” he said.
“SA Water is looking for opportunities to cut red tape for their customers.
“They are looking to provide customers with the best service, at the lowest possible price.”
Important initiatives include:
- Providing a dedicated account manager to support applications for development, designed to substantially improve processes and outcomes for developers
- Changing the way augmentation charges are calculated simplifying the end-to-end application process
- Reviewing fees and charges associated with development applications.
Mr Hunter said extensive research conducted last year helped SA Water better understand what their customers want, both individually and at an industry level.
“Late last year SA Water held workshops with representatives from the development industry and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Executive Council,” he said.
“The research looked at development industry satisfaction, and has helped SA Water to sharpen its focus and prioritise its projects for 2015 and beyond.”
Urban Development Institute of Australia (South Australia) Executive Director, Terry Walsh, said implementation of the report is expected to result in more competitive estimates of costing for connection of new urban developments to the SA Water networks.
“The UDIA congratulates SA Water on its commitment to gather customer feedback and its intent to implement the findings of its recent research. We look forward to partnering with SA Water on this journey,” said Mr Walsh.
