Connecting to the new Cardrona Water Supply Scheme

QLDC is now accepting applications to connect to the new community water supply scheme, however only provisional approval will be provided ahead of 1 July 2024.  Formal approval to connect will only be provided once the scheme is operational and fully vested in Council. 

If you choose to connect, there are payment options available to make it more affordable. 

For properties within the existing township there is a limited time Long Term Payment Plan option to spread the cost of the development contribution over 30 years (including interest) using a Targeted Capital Water Supply Rate.

Those who don't apply to connect will not be charged any rates for the new scheme.

Please read the information provided below to determine which option is best for you. 

Development Contribution

Development Contributions are how Council recovers the capital costs and debt funding of the proposed scheme.

For properties that connect to the new scheme prior to 1 October 2024, the cost will be a development contribution of $16,490 + GST per residential dwelling (equivalent).

The estimated development contribution payable from 1 October 2024 is $18,380 + GST per residential dwelling (equivalent).  The development contribution and rates will be set in September 2024.

Water Supply Operating Rates

There will also be an annual water supply rate* to recover the operating costs to run the scheme. For all properties that apply to connect in the first operating year, the Cardrona Water Supply Rate will be charged at an estimated $400 per annum (50% of the full operating charge estimated at $800 per annum).

Rates in the first operating year will be charged in one instalment in May 2025.

From year two (July 2025), the annual operating rate will be spread over four instalments.

Properties that have opted into the Long Term Payment Plan option but have chosen to defer connection will be charged at 50% of the full operating rate (availability charge).

* Operating rates are quoted inclusive of GST.  The rates will be set in September 2024.

Additional costs

Please note the above costs are to construct and operate the water supply scheme.  Individual properties are responsible for the arrangement and cost of the physical connection to the scheme.  More details on this can be found on the application form.  

Commercial connection

We are still finalising the details for commercial businesses wishing to connect.  If you are a business operating in Cardrona and you’re interested in connecting to the community water scheme, please get in touch with us at rates@qldc.govt.nz

There are two payment options available to make the development contributions more affordable to connect to the new water scheme. 

The payment options will be available to existing dwellings and vacant lots in the Cardrona Village.  Property owners can choose the option that works best for them:

1. Development contribution paid upfront:  This is a full and final payment, and typical of how development contributions are usually levied to developments and/or new connection, or

2. Long Term Payment Plan* 30 years (assumes interest at 4.0%) in lieu of an upfront development contribution: The annual targeted rate payment in the first operating year is estimated at $1,100 + GST ($1,265 including GST). The targeted rate will be set in September 2024 and will remain the same for 30 years. Rates in the first operating year will be charged in one instalment in May 2025. From year two, the annual targeted rate will be spread over four instalments.

* The Long Term Payment Plan is only available to properties that sign up by 31 March 2025 in the first operating year and is not available to properties within the Mount Cardrona Station Zone.

You can now apply to connect to the Cardrona Community Water Supply Scheme. 

If you choose to connect, please complete the form below and email it to engineeringapprovals@qldc.govt.nz

Application form

Important:

• Only provisional approval will be provided ahead of 1 July 2024.  Formal approval will be provided after this date.

• When you send in the application, please advise whether you intend to pay the development contribution upfront or take up the Long Term Payment Plan targeted rate option.

• Please be aware of the application deadlines provided above.

There are some key dates for Cardrona residents to be aware of: