Water fill station upgrade

  • Project typeWater and Sewer
  • Project valueApproximately $750,000.00
  • Project scheduleIn Progress
  • Completion Date30 January 2027
A blue water fill station

Project Summary/background

Bega Valley Shire Council is upgrading nine existing water fill stations to make them more accessible to small-scale, infrequent or one-off customers, by introducing onsite EFTPOS facilities and removing the need to register for the service. The new water fill stations are designed and manufactured by an Australian company, Abberfield Technology. All nine existing water fill stations are expected to be upgraded by the end of January 2027. 


Purpose

current-water-fill-station.jpeg

Many of the existing water fill stations are reaching the end of their lifespan and have become unreliable in recent years. Instead of replacing them with identical models, Council sees an opportunity to enhance accessibility, by introducing onsite EFTPOS facilities. Investing in these upgrades ensures ongoing water security for all residents, particularly during droughts and bushfires, as well as for non-reticulated water customers, while also helping the Bega Valley maintain its appeal as a popular destination for caravans and recreational vehicles.

 


Funding

The cost of the upgrade is approximately $750,000.00, which will be funded by Council’s Water and Sewer Services.


Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:

  • D.2 – Provide infrastructure and services to meet the needs of residents in our towns, villages and rural areas.
  • E.4 – Council has robust financial management processes to ensure ongoing viability and value for money.
  • E.6 – Council decision making seeks to optimise environmental, social and economic outcomes for our community, while mitigating financial, legal, environmental, reputational and safety risks.

Project update

new-water-fill-station-blue.jpeg
Bermagui water fill station
  • The Bermagui water fill station is now live at its new location on Sherwood Road, Bermagui.
  • The old unit will be switched off on Friday, 24 July.

Key information

  • Customers do not need an account to access the new Water Fill Stations. Water can be purchased directly using the on-site EFTPOS facility.
  • Account cards will only be issued to customers who require regular, high-volume access. An application form can be found in the Related Information section on this webpage.
  • Existing account holders can return their current access tags to Council to receive a refund of their tag deposit.
  • The new fill stations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Water is charged at the current metered water rate of $4.10 per 1,000 litres.
  • A minimum purchase amount of $1 applies.
  • Available fittings include:
  • Standard garden hose fitting.
  • 80 mm camlock fitting.
  • Customers requiring a different connection size will need to supply their own adapter (for example, an 80 mm camlock to a 25 mm camlock adapter).
  • We encourage customers to use the on-site EFTPOS facility. Customers requiring regular, high-volume access can apply for an account either in person at Zingel Place or emailing the application forms to council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au


Frequently Asked Questions

I am a water carter registered as a food business with BVSC. Will this upgrade affect the way I use the service?

Yes, you will be able to pay for all water dispensed from a water fill station using onsite EFTPOS facilities. Water carters who are not registered as a food business with BVSC must complete Council’sFood Business Notification Formand deliver it to Council's Administration Centre Zingel Place Bega or email it to council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au for it to be assessed by a Council Environmental Health Officer before using the service.

 

I am a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). Will I still be able to use water fill stations free of charge when on duty?

Yes. Council will issue account cards to each brigade in the Bega Valley Local Government Area before the first station is live. These cards can be tapped on the card reader on the water fill station machine.

 

I am a local business that takes an average of at least 0.5 ML of water every year, sometimes uses the stations multiple times a day and/or has multiple iButton key sets for my staff. Is there an alternative payment method to the onsite EFTPOS facilities?

In situations like this, you may be eligible to apply for a water fill station account, providing you with an account card that can be easily tapped on the card reader at any of the fill stations across the Bega Valley. Multiple cards can be linked to the same account for a fee of $10 per card and accounts will be billed quarterly. It will take 10 working days to process applications and successful candidates can pick up their account card(s) from Council's Customer Service counter.

 

 

When do the iButton key sets from the current style of water fill stations need to be returned?

As the water fill stations are upgraded over the next two years, regular users will have the flexibility to transition to the new stations at their own pace. Please refer to the timeline below to find out when your local station will be upgraded, as this will help determine when you should return your iButton key sets. Your bond will be refunded once the key sets are returned.


Will the water fill station machine print out a receipt?

No. If you require a receipt for tax purposes, please apply for awater fill station accountand you will be invoiced quarterly.


 

Location

Lagoon Street, Bega 2550  View Map

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