Hi everyone,
Currently (attempting) building in the Yarra Ranges, VIC. The builder has never before had to deal with a house that is downhill to the sewer main (amongst other intricacies with this property). After investigation we have finally found out South East water must connect the house to the main via their own Pressure Sewer pumping system, a private plumber cannot use their own system.
The street was connected up to reticulated sewerage about a year ago and about 2 people on the street had also connected at the time. One was uphill to the main, so it was gravity fed. The other was downhill, so he opted in to connect at the time and had his septic tank removed. My planning permits state I must connect to sewer mains (no septic allowed).
So I spoke to South East water and was told it will cost between $14,000-$16,000 to connect. No less. Initially I thought the guy must have meant 15 hundred, not 15 thousand. But no, he said $15,000.
So I spoke to the neighbour who connected who said he only paid $1,500. He said he connected at the time they installed the mains but couldn't see that justifying a $13,500 hike.
I called South East Water again and they qagain said $15,000. When I asked for a breakdown of the cost and as to why an $800 pump somehow has an additional $14,200 attached, when I'm only 9m off the street edge, the person I spoke to became quite defensive and refused to provide a cost analysis, I was pretty much told 'you pay or you dont connect'. I asked why my neighbour paid 10% of what I'm being quoted, and the person told me that existing houses were subsidised at the time. No mention of why or who provides the subsidy, just that I'm ineligible.
Has anyone had a similar experience or can provide any advice into how I can possibly get around this cost (it's a small car!)? It's blown my contract completely out, but I can't exactly go to a 'competitor'. Is there ant statutory body I can complain to about the cost that wont delay the build or cause me detriment?
Any help is appreciated, thanks!