Overview

Political support amongst the organisation’s leadership and governance groups is fundamental to the success of any universal water metering programme. Even a robust technical and financial case can stall without it. Buy-in from the leadership is essential for advocacy within governance and vice versa. Strong leadership and clear communication from boards and elected members provide the mandate to move from planning to implementation, sustaining momentum through consultation, debate, and delivery. It also sets the intent and tone with the community.

A Case for Change

Securing this support requires a deliberate strategy that builds confidence and alignment among decision-makers and the community. The investment mapping logic developed in Stage 1 can be leveraged to take governance through the “Case for Change” and build consensus on the problem definition, consequences, benefits, and the strategic response so the ‘story’ of the investment is clear, evidence-based, and compelling.

This establishes the rationale for boards and elected members, equipping them with concise, evidence-based messages to address common concerns head-on:

• Privatisation - Reaffirm statutory protections under the Local Government Water Services Preliminary Arrangements Act 2024, which explicitly prevents asset transfer or sale.

• Affordability - Highlight targeted hardship policies, transparent communication, and a fairness narrative. Customers pay only for what they use.

• “Meters don’t make water” claims - Present data showing metering typically reduces demand by 20–25%, deferring costly new supply projects.

• Bill-shock worries - Show how fixed-charge adjustments, sample bills, and leak-remission policies smooth the transition and build trust.

Ultimately, gaining governance endorsement is inseparable from securing funding. Clear communication of costs, benefits, and safeguards builds the confidence to embed metering investment in long-term financial plans and move decisively from discussion to delivery. With unified leadership, boards and councils can navigate the social and financial complexities of metering while delivering enduring water security and resilience.