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CONCERNS: What effect are water restrictions having on DHA properties?
Photo: David Gibbs |
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Q) From CPO Murray Edmondstone (HMAS Cerberus): Why are we paying for excess water in DHA housing, when the majority of the country are on water restrictions and have been for the last couple of years at least?
A) Murray, Mr Robert McKellar, Director Housing and Removals Policy (DPE), informs that ‘Excess Water Charges’ are in fact ‘Married Quarter Water Contributions.’ The contribution for water payable by members in Service Residences reflects the water consumption in Service Residences nationally. The contribution is a water usage charge, not an excess water charge. PACMAN clause 7.8.7 provides the authority and rate for the water charge.
DHA pays all water charges for Service Residences in the first instance and Defence pays DHA the amount that represents actual water usage by members. Defence then recovers that amount from members in Service Residences by means of the averaged water contribution. Defence reviews the contribution annually on the basis of the water bills for the previous twelve month period.
This system is simple, efficient and cost effective. It avoids the administrative overheads that would be involved in charging each family in a Service Residence for their individual water usage. This pragmatic swings and roundabout system means that at a particular point in time some members may pay more and some may pay less than their actual water usage. Even in times of water restrictions, members must continue to use water and must continue to contribute for the water that is used.
Q) From CMDR John Douglas (SCIT): “Given the current water restrictions in force in ACT (Stage 3 since 16 Dec 06) that prohibit the watering of lawns, am I going to be hit up for the cost of lawn refurbishment on vacating my DHA rental property?”
A) Good news John. Alan McClelland, Director Relocations and Housing (DSG) has advised that it has been agreed with DHA that where water restrictions permit, ADF members remain responsible for upkeep of lawns. However, where water restrictions prevent the watering of lawns, the responsibility for restoring lawns to their former state shall reside with the owner (Defence or DHA) and ADF members shall not be penalised for damage to lawns resulting from water restrictions. This approach is currently in operation.
This does not exclude members from their tenant responsibilities and the reasonable upkeep of gardens and lawns wherever possible. Please do not neglect your responsibilities as a tenant.
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