Schedule of charges - 2021/2022 Irrigation Season

Overview

The Schedule of Charges for the 2021/2022 Irrigation Season, as enacted under the Water Management Act 2000, is designed to address the financial structure for the operation, maintenance, and administration of irrigation systems and water delivery. This legislation was introduced by the Australian Parliament to ensure fair and transparent management of water resources, thereby addressing the gaps in the previous regulatory framework which lacked a comprehensive and clear financial structure for water usage and delivery. The policy objective of this Act is to provide a consistent and equitable framework for the allocation and use of water, ensuring that all stakeholders have clear and fair access to water resources. The charges outlined in the schedule cover a range of costs associated with the delivery and administration of water services. These include fixed charges for disconnection, administration, and delivery rights, as well as variable charges for delivery fees, losses, and government charges. Additionally, the schedule details specific costs for measuring devices, seasonal allocation, and processing transformation charges. The Act aims to ensure that all users of water resources are aware of the financial obligations associated with their use, thereby promoting efficient and sustainable water management practices.

Scope and Application

The Schedule of Charges for the 2021/2022 Irrigation Season set out in C2022G00021 applies to entities and individuals involved in irrigation activities within the designated geographical areas and jurisdictions under the Commonwealth's purview. These charges encompass a variety of fixed and variable costs, including disconnection fees, administration costs, delivery rights for introduced water, works charges for measuring devices, and external transfer seasonal allocations. The fixed charges are primarily applicable to permanent water introduced during the season, stock and domestic access, and installation of measuring devices, with specific costs assigned to different types and sizes of devices. Variable charges account for MPID delivery fees, losses charges, government charges, and transformation charges, all calculated per megawatt. Additionally, the schedule details administration fees for MPID, processing, and termination fees over a ten-year period, with government access charges being distinct from termination fee calculations. The legislation outlines a comprehensive framework for managing irrigation-related costs, extending its application to those utilising water resources and infrastructure within the scope of the Act. It does not explicitly state exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, implying that all entities and individuals within the irrigation sector are subject to these charges. The application of the Act may be further defined or adjusted through subordinate instruments, allowing for modifications in charges or operational guidelines as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of this legislation outline the fixed and variable charges for water usage during the 2021/2022 irrigation season. Section 1 details the fixed charges, including the disconnection charge (Section 1.1) and administration costs for operating, which are set at $22.50 megalitres (meg) (Section 1.2). There is also a specified charge for delivery rights for introduced water, particularly for permanent water in-season introduced only, at $118.00 meg (Section 1.3). Additionally, Section 1 provides for stock and domestic access charges at $300.00 per annum (pa) (Section 1.4). Works charges are also outlined, including costs for small and large measuring devices, with installation fees included, at $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 respectively (Section 1.5). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties involved primarily focus on compliance with the specified charges and fees. Section 2 clarifies that users must adhere to the outlined fixed and variable charges, ensuring that they are billed accurately for their water usage and related services. Section 3 mandates that all users pay the disconnection charge, administration costs, and any other fees as stipulated within the specified timelines. Furthermore, Section 4 requires that users with introduced water must comply with the delivery rights charges, while Section 5 stipulates that stock and domestic access fees must be settled as per the Act. Section 6 addresses the consequences of breaching the terms of this Act. Non-payment of the specified charges may lead to penalties as outlined in Section 7. For instance, failure to settle the disconnection charge or administration costs may result in legal action to recover the debt. Section 8 specifies that persistent non-compliance could result in the suspension of water services. Additionally, Section 9 imposes civil penalties for non-compliance, with maximum fines that may be applied. It is crucial for all parties to comply with the financial obligations set forth to avoid any legal repercussions or service disruptions.