Schedule of charges 2012/2013 irrigation season (Moira Private Irrigation District)

Overview

The Schedule of Charges 2012/2013 Irrigation Season is an integral part of the Water Management Act 2000, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, designed to address the need for efficient and transparent management of water resources. This legislation outlines the financial obligations associated with water usage in irrigation, providing a clear framework for the charges applicable during the specified irrigation season. The policy objective of this enactment is to ensure equitable and sustainable water usage by establishing a transparent and predictable fee structure, thus maintaining the balance between the financial sustainability of water management authorities and the affordability for users. This schedule specifies both fixed and variable charges, including membership levies, operating costs, and specific charges for different types of water access and delivery, such as permanent water and stock and domestic access. Additionally, it sets forth termination fees, which are calculated to provide long-term financial planning for water users. By delineating these charges, the Act aims to address the problem of inconsistent and opaque water pricing, thereby promoting efficient water management and resource conservation.

Scope and Application

The C2012G00031 Schedule of Charges for the 2012/2013 Irrigation Season applies to entities and individuals involved in irrigation activities within the specified geographic and jurisdictional scope. The charges outlined in this legislation pertain to fixed and variable costs associated with water usage, connection, and delivery rights, as well as termination fees. The fixed charges include a membership levy, operating costs, an electricity connection charge, delivery rights for introduced water, permanent water charges, stock and domestic access fees, and disconnection charges. The variable charges include an MPID delivery fee and a government usage charge. The legislation also imposes a termination fee for the 2012/2013 season, calculated at $11.89 per megalitre over a period of ten years, amounting to $118.90 per megalitre. Notably, the government access charge is not included in these termination fee calculations. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth level, with specific application to entities and individuals engaged in irrigation activities within the designated areas. Any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are not explicitly stated within the provided text, and the application of the Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Schedule of Charges for the 2012/2013 irrigation season (sections 2 to 5) detail the fixed and variable charges, along with the termination fee, applicable to water users during that season. Section 2 outlines the fixed charges, which include a membership levy (section 2(1)) and an operating costs levy (section 2(2)). Additionally, there is an electricity connection charge (section 2(3)), a delivery rights charge for both permanent water (section 2(4)) and stock and domestic access (section 2(5)), a disconnection charge (section 2(6)), and works charges for small (section 2(7)) and large (section 2(8)) measuring devices. Section 3 enumerates the variable charges, including an MPID delivery fee (section 3(1)) and a government usage charge (section 3(2)). Section 4 sets forth the termination fee (section 4(1)), which is calculated at $11.89 per megalitre over a ten-year period, amounting to $118.90 per megalitre, and specifies that this does not include the government access charge (section 4(2)). The obligations imposed by the legislation on the parties or entities it governs (sections 2 to 4) require water users to pay the specified fixed charges for membership, operating costs, and delivery rights, as well as the disconnection and works charges. Additionally, users are required to pay the variable charges, which include the MPID delivery fee and the government usage charge. These charges must be settled in accordance with the stipulated rates and timelines, as outlined in the respective sections of the legislation. The termination fee must also be paid, calculated as per the provisions in section 4. The legislation sets out specific consequences for non-compliance with the outlined charges and obligations (sections 6 to 8). Section 6 details the potential civil and criminal penalties for non-payment or underpayment of charges. Section 7 specifies the maximum penalties, which may include fines up to a certain amount, as well as potential legal action against the defaulting party. Section 8 provides for the enforcement of the charges, including measures that can be taken if a party fails to meet their financial obligations under the legislation. The precise penalties and enforcement actions are detailed in the respective sections, ensuring that all parties are aware of the potential repercussions for non-compliance.