More than 2 million customers invited to help shape the future of water
Published 17 August 2026
Residents and business customers from Wallan in the west to Warburton in the east can complete an online survey to shape future water services, infrastructure investments and prices.
Feedback from the survey and insights gathered through an extensive ‘Citizen’s Jury’ process and focus groups, will inform Yarra Valley Water's 2028-33 Price Submission and ensure future decisions reflect the community's priorities.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said community feedback will inform big decisions facing the city’s water future.
"Melbourne is growing, climate conditions are changing and community expectations continue to evolve,” Ms Foeng said.
"We're planning now for the challenges and opportunities ahead, including how we support growing communities, renew ageing infrastructure and continue providing safe, reliable and affordable water and sewerage services.
"The decisions we make today will help shape the services our customers rely on for years to come.
"That's why we're inviting people to tell us what matters most to them and where they think we should focus our efforts for the future."
The Price Submission will set out the services Yarra Valley Water plans to deliver between 1 July 2028 and 30 June 2033, along with the investments required to support them. It will be submitted to Victoria's independent economic regulator, the Essential Services Commission.
Alongside the online survey, a Citizens' Jury will examine some of the more complex decisions facing the water sector.
Following an independent selection process, 45 customers have now been selected to take part in Yarra Valley Water’s Citizens’ Jury, reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves.
Meeting across six sessions between August and December 2026, followed by a recall session in March 2027, participants will consider:
"How should we determine the balance between prices and services for our customers, community and the environment, now and in the future?"
Their deliberations will be informed by five specialist focus groups bringing their views on water and sewerage services from different perspectives: the environment, consumer equity and inclusion, First Peoples and future generations.
Insights gathered through the survey, Citizens' Jury and broader engagement program will help shape Yarra Valley Water's 2028-33 Price Submission before it is submitted to the Essential Services Commission in September 2027.
To learn more and have your say, visit: engage.yvw.com.au/pricesubmission