Schedule of charges 2015/2016 Irrigation Season (Moira Private Irrigation District)

Overview

The Schedule of Charges 2015/2016 Irrigation Season was enacted to provide clarity and predictability in the financial obligations for water usage during the specified irrigation season. This legislation was introduced to address the need for transparent and structured pricing for both fixed and variable water charges, ensuring that stakeholders are aware of the costs associated with their water usage. The enactment was overseen by the relevant legislature, ensuring that the charges were aligned with the budgetary requirements and operational needs of the irrigation systems for that season. The policy objective behind this legislation was to facilitate efficient water management by providing a clear and detailed schedule of charges, thereby encouraging responsible and planned water usage.

Scope and Application

The C2015G02038 Irrigation Charges Schedule for the 2015/2016 season applies to entities and individuals involved in the irrigation industry, specifically those who use introduced water in their operations. The charges cover a range of fixed and variable costs, including administration, delivery rights for introduced water, works charges, and variable charges such as MPID delivery fee and government charges. These charges are applicable across the Commonwealth and may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments. The schedule does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and the charges are based on the budget figures for the 2015/2016 season. Notably, the Delivery Rights Charge for Introduced Water is a one-off charge for the season it is introduced. The Government Access Charge is not included in Termination Fee calculations.

Key Provisions

The primary provisions of the legislation (Schedule of Charges 2015/2016 Irrigation Season) outline both fixed and variable charges applicable during the specified season. Section 1 details the fixed charges, including an operating cost of $15.00 million, an electricity connection charge of $50.00 million, and a combined total of $15.50 million. Additionally, there is a charge for Delivery Rights for Introduced Water at $118.00 million for permanent water and $300.00 per annum for stock and domestic access. Works charges are also specified, with a small measuring device costing $2,500.00 and a large measuring device costing $4,000.00. Variable charges, as outlined in Section 2, include an MPID delivery fee of $21.00 million, government charges of $7.85 million, and a losses factor of $1.15 million, culminating in a total of $30.00 million. Transformation charges, detailed in Section 3, include an administration fee of $300.00, a disconnection charge of $250.00, and a termination fee of $11.80 per million over a period of 10 years, resulting in a total of $118.00 per million. Notably, the Government Access Charge is not included in the termination fee calculations, and the Delivery Rights Charge for Introduced Water is a one-off charge for the season it is introduced. The legislation imposes specific obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Section 4 mandates that entities must pay the fixed charges as outlined, which include the operating costs, electricity connection charge, and the Delivery Rights for Introduced Water. Section 5 requires the payment of works charges for measuring devices, which are differentiated by size. Section 6 obligates the payment of variable charges, including the MPID delivery fee, government charges, and the losses factor. Section 7 outlines the transformation charges, including the administration fee, disconnection charge, and termination fee, which must be calculated based on the specified rate over the designated period. Furthermore, Section 8 highlights that the Government Access Charge is excluded from the termination fee calculations, and the Delivery Rights Charge for Introduced Water is applicable only in the season it is introduced. Section 9 details the consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of the legislation. Failure to pay the fixed charges as required by Section 4 may result in legal action for recovery of the outstanding amounts, including interest. Non-payment of works charges as outlined in Section 5 may lead to service interruptions or termination of access to the irrigation system. Non-compliance with the variable charges in Section 6 may incur additional fees and penalties, which could be enforced through civil litigation. Breach of the transformation charges in Section 7 may result in disconnection or termination of services, with associated fees as specified. Finally, Section 10 clarifies that any failure to adhere to the specified charges and payment obligations could lead to administrative penalties, legal proceedings, or both, with potential maximum penalties as outlined in the legislation.