Schedule of charges 2016/2017 Irrigation Season (Moira Private Irrigation District)

Overview

The Gazetted Schedule of Charges for the 2016/2017 Irrigation Season, established under C2016G01242, was enacted to ensure that water usage is fairly and transparently charged. This legislation was introduced to address the need for precise and equitable billing for water usage in the irrigation sector, particularly focusing on the various fixed and variable charges that users must pay. The charges outlined encompass fixed costs such as administration and delivery rights for introduced water, alongside variable charges including MPID delivery fees and government charges. The objective, as stated in the text, is to maintain the financial sustainability of water management systems while ensuring that users are clearly aware of the costs associated with their water usage. The charges are determined by the relevant legislature to reflect the operating costs and other expenses necessary for the administration and delivery of water services. The fixed charges cover essential administrative costs and connection fees, while variable charges adapt to the volume of water delivered and the specific needs of different users. The policy objective is to balance the financial requirements of water management with the practical needs of irrigation users, ensuring transparency and fairness in the billing process.

Scope and Application

The C2016G01242 (Gazette) Schedule of charges for the 2016/2017 irrigation season applies to the allocation and use of water resources within the designated irrigation areas. It sets out fixed and variable charges for water delivery, installation of measuring devices, and administrative costs associated with the management of introduced water. The charges cover entities and individuals involved in the operation and usage of water infrastructure, including agricultural, domestic, and stock water needs. The scope of this legislation is specific to the Commonwealth jurisdiction, governing water usage across federal irrigation districts. The charges are structured to encompass both permanent and seasonal water rights, with different rates applied to in-season introduced water and stock and domestic access. Some exclusions may apply based on specific conditions and entitlements, but these are not detailed within the provided text. The Act allows for the adjustment and extension of charges through subordinate instruments, ensuring flexibility in managing water resources and associated financial obligations.

Key Provisions

The 2016/2017 Irrigation Season Schedule of Charges, outlined in C2016G01242 (Gazette), delineates several fixed and variable charges related to water usage and delivery (Schedule). The fixed charges include an administration fee of $15.00 million for operating costs and an electricity connection charge of $50.00 million, summing to a total of $15.50 million (Schedule). For permanent water introduced during the season, there is a charge of $118.00 million, while stock and domestic access are charged at $300.00 per annum (Schedule). Works charges are also specified, with a small measuring device costing $2,500.00 including installation, and a large measuring device costing $4,000.00 including installation (Schedule). In terms of variable charges, the schedule outlines an MPID delivery fee of $21.00 million, government charges of $7.52 million, and a losses factor of $1.63 million, totalling $30.15 million (Schedule). For external transfer seasonal allocation, the schedule details an MPID administration fee of $90.00, a processing fee of $8.00 million plus government charges, an administration charge of $300.00 for transformation, and a disconnection charge of $250.00 (Schedule). Additionally, there is a termination fee of $11.80 per million, which, when multiplied by 10 years, amounts to $118.00 per million, excluding the government access charge (Schedule). Entities governed by this legislation are required to adhere to the specified charges for the 2016/2017 irrigation season. This includes paying the fixed charges for administration, connection, permanent water delivery, and stock and domestic access, as well as the works charges for measuring devices (Schedule). They must also account for the variable charges, including the MPID delivery fee, government charges, and losses factor (Schedule). Furthermore, entities involved in external transfer seasonal allocation must pay the MPID administration fee, processing fee, transformation administration charge, and disconnection charge (Schedule). The termination fee must also be calculated and paid over a period of 10 years (Schedule). Breach of the provisions outlined in the Schedule of Charges may lead to civil and criminal consequences. While the exact offences and penalties are not detailed within the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that non-compliance with the financial obligations specified could result in legal action. The penalties for such breaches could include fines or other financial sanctions, as well as potential criminal charges in cases of deliberate or willful disregard of the legislative requirements. The specific maximum penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as relevant jurisdictional laws and regulations.