Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012 Christmas Island

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au F2012L01452 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Christmas Island Act 1958

Utilities and Services Ordinance 1996

 

 Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012

Section 3 of the Utilities and Services Ordinance 1996 (the Ordinance) authorises the Administrator to make provision for the supply and use of utilities and services in relation to, amongst other things, water and drainage and sewerage in the Territory.  Section 4 of the Ordinance provides that the Administrator is to impose a fee for the provision to a person, or the use by a person, of such utilities and services. 

The Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012 (the Determination) sets the fees for water and wastewater charges on Christmas Island and replaces the Determination of Fees for Water and Sewerage Services No.3 of 2011.

It is government policy that wherever possible there should be parity between the prices charged in the Territory and those charged in Western Australia. Broadly speaking fees and charges for water and sewerage services are calculated based on whether the property is residential (which is further defined as a private dwelling house, home unit, or flat and includes any yard, garden or outhouse), non-residential, government, exempt (i.e. charitable, religious) or vacant land.

 

In WA, fees and charges for water and sewerage services are set annually and aim for full cost recovery. Full cost recovery includes the cost of production; cost of depreciation plus a return on asset.  However in recognition of some high cost, small customer base schemes, only partial cost recovery occurs. 

 

The fees set in the Determination are working towards those rates and charges that apply in Western Australia and these charges are considerably less than the cost of supply.

  

 

Schedule 1 Fixed Charge for Water

Residential - Water

A fixed charge is imposed for the provision of water services.

 

Non-residential – water

Fixed charges for Commercial and Industrial properties have been reduced by at least 32.6% in line with WA reforms to standardise service charges to 20mm residential equivalent units.

 

Schedule 2 – Fixed Charges for Sewerage

Reforms introduced last year to bring charges for sewerage into line with WA continue and it is for this reason that annual increases are limited to 50% of the difference between the 2011-12 and 2012-13 annual charges.

 

Residential - Wastewater

In 2011 an annual service charge was introduced to all residential properties based on the property’s Gross Rental Value (GRV), which is supplied by the Valuer General. The fixed charge for sewerage is calculated by multiplying the GRV by a ‘rate in the dollar’ and is subject to a minimum and maximum charge.

 

A ‘rate in the dollar’ is calculated by estimating the cost to operate the scheme and includes such things as estimated operating costs, depreciation on assets and return on assets. For high ‘rate in the dollar’ schemes the rate is capped at 12 cents and Water Corporation calculates that Christmas Island scheme is a high ‘rate in the dollar’ scheme.

 

The Determination caps the ‘rate in the dollar’ at the maximum charge of 12 cents in the dollar and introduces a minimum and maximum charge in line with WA standards.

 

Non-residential – wastewater

Christmas Island non-residential charges for wastewater are based on the number of major fixtures at each property. (e.g. number of toilets).

 

Schedule 3 – Quantity Charges

In line with 2008 WA Government reforms customers are encouraged to save water and quantity charges will continue to be adjusted to reflect the real cost of the cost of providing water in country areas.

 

Residential

Water consumption is calculated from regular meter readings and then multiplied by a charge per kilolitre according to the ‘class’ appropriate to the area. A ‘class’ of water use charge (1 to 5) applies to different towns across Western Australia depending on the total cost to the Water Corporation of providing water from the local scheme.

 

To encourage the careful use of water, the charges are structured so that the price per kilolitre increases as more water is used. Each year Water Corporation reviews these costs and allocates a town or scheme to a ‘class’. Where the costs change significantly, the town or scheme is moved up or down a class progressively until it reaches the appropriate class.

Christmas residential properties have been moved from Class 4 to Class 5 - Water use price north of the 26th parallel and the Determination reflects these changes to the cents per kilolitre charged.

 

Non-residential

In WA each scheme is classified according to the cost to operate the scheme. Towns are then classified and customers charged water consumption according to Band 1-15 Non-residential water consumption rates. To encourage the careful use of water, charges within each band or class are structured so that the price per kilolitre increases the more water is used.

 

Due to the cost to operate the scheme Christmas Island non-residential properties have been reclassified from Band 10 to Band 11 Non-residential water rates and changes will continue each year until it reaches band 15. These increases are reflected in the Determination.

 

A quantity charge for sewer volume discharge applies throughout WA and encourages customers to look at ways to minimise discharge to sewer (e.g. water efficient appliances, dual flush toilets, low flow shower roses and taps, etc.)

 

Schedule 4 – Building Application Fees

A standard increase of between 3.5% and 3.6% has been applied in line with changes to comparable WA fees and charges.


Schedule 5 – Other Fees

A standard increase of between 3.6% and 3.7% has been applied in line with changes to comparable WA fees and charges.

 

 

Consultation

The delivery of water and sewerage service in Christmas Island is provided under a service delivery arrangement with the Western Australian Water Corporation. The fees and charges specified in this Determination were set in consultation with Water Corporation and are similar to those applying to country Western Australian customers. In the same way as such charges are determined and set in Western Australia and other Australian States, no other consultations (including businesses potentially affected by the increases) were appropriate.

 

The Determination commences on 1 July 2012.

 

 

 


Approximate rates of increase in the various fees from the previous year are described below:

 

 

 

 

2010/11

 

2011/12

 

2012/13

Percent Increase

 

SCHEDULE 1 – FIXED CHARGES FOR WATER

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Residential

$186.60

 

$186.60

 

$188.10

0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Commercial, Commercial/Residential, Industrial, Mining, Shipping, Government -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 or 20mm meter or un-metered (minimum)

$365.90

 

$279.00

 

$188.10

-32.6%

 

25mm

$571.70

 

$435.90

 

$293.90

-32.6%

 

40mm

$1,463.50

 

$1,116.00

 

$752.40

-32.6%

 

50mm

$2,286.70

 

$1,743.70

 

$1,175.60

-32.6%

 

80mm

$5,853.90

 

$4,463.90

 

$3,009.60

-32.6%

 

100mm

$9,146.70

 

$6,974.90

 

$4,702.50

-32.6%

 

150mm

$20,580.10

 

$15,693.40

 

$10,580.60

-32.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Institutional/Public, Charitable purposes or Local Government

Nil

 

Nil

 

Nil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Vacant land

$186.60

 

$186.60

 

$188.10

0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Fire service

$186.60

 

$186.60

 

$188.10

0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Strata-titled Commercial or Industrial property sharing a water service

 

 

$186.60

 

$188.10

0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note - Additional connections will be charged at the same rates as above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 2 – FIXED CHARGES FOR SEWERAGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Residential

$293.50

 

Cents per $ of GRV

12.00

12.00

0.0%

 

 

 

 

Minimum charge

$302.30

$313.20

3.6%

 

 

 

 

Maximum charge

$753.30

$780.40

3.6%

 

 

 

 

Increase in annual charges limited to

one third of the difference between the 2010/11 and 2011/12 annual charges

half of the difference between the 2011/12 and 2012/13 annual charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Commercial, Industrial or Mining

$658.50

 

First major fixture

$690.50

$728.40

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Second major fixture

$295.60

$311.80

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Third major fixture

$394.80

$416.40

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Subsequent major fixtures

$429.20

$452.80

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Minimum annual charge

$690.50

$728.40

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Increase in annual charges limited to

one third of the difference between the 2010/11 and 2011/12 annual charges

half of the difference between the 2011/12 and 2012/13 annual charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Vacant Land

$193.20

 

Cents per $ of GRV

12.00

12.00

0.0%

 

 

 

 

Minimum charge

$199.00

$206.10

3.6%

 

 

 

 

Maximum charge (where held for future residential use)

$753.30

$780.40

3.6%

 

 

 

 

Increase in annual charges limited to

one third of the difference between the 2010/11 and 2011/12 annual charges

half of the difference between the 2011/12 and 2012/13 annual charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Institutional/Public, Charitable Purposes or Local Government

$176.90

 

First major fixture

$185.50

$195.70

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Subsequent major fixtures

$81.60

$86.10

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Where the number of major fixtures is greater than one,

one third of the difference between the 2010/11 and 2011/12 annual charges

half of the difference between the 2011/12 and 2012/13 annual charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Government

$983.60

 

First major fixture

$690.50

$728.40

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Second major fixture

$295.60

$311.80

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Third major fixture

$394.80

$416.40

5.5%

 

 

 

 

Subsequent major fixtures

$429.20

$452.80

5.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Strata-titled Commercial or Industrial

 

 

 

$429.20

$452.80

5.5%

 

sharing a major fixture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010/11

 

2011/12

 

2012/13

Percent Increase

 

SCHEDULE 3 – QUANTITY CHARGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Residential or Vacant Land held for Residential Purposes

cents/kL

 

cents/kL

 

cents/kL

 

 

0 – 150kL

98.2

 

119.2

 

133.6

12.1%

 

151 - 350kL

108.7

 

124.3

 

133.6

7.5%

 

351 - 500kL

123.7

 

153.5

 

174.7

13.8%

 

501 - 550kL

180.5

 

278.2

 

360.0

29.4%

 

551 - 650kL

186.2

 

281.2

 

360.0

28.0%

 

651 - 750kL

222.5

 

303.4

 

360.0

18.7%

 

751 - 1150kL

365.1

 

535.3

 

634.7

18.6%

 

1151 - 1550kL

500.3

 

636.3

 

634.7

-0.3%

 

1551 - 1950kL

544.6

 

659.2

 

634.7

-3.7%

 

Over 1950kL

588.8

 

678.2

 

634.7

-6.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Commercial, Industrial, Mining, Shipping or Vacant land not mentioned in item 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0 – 300kL

282.1

 

334.5

 

413.5

23.6%

 

over 300kL

356.7

 

400.1

 

451.4

12.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Commercial/Residential

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-150kL

98.2

 

119.2

 

133.6

12.1%

 

151-450kL

282.1

 

334.5

 

413.5

23.6%

 

over 450kL

356.7

 

400.1

 

451.4

12.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Government Commonwealth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0 – 300kL

282.1

 

334.5

 

413.5

23.6%

 

over 300kL

356.7

 

400.1

 

451.4

12.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Institutional/Public (non-government schools, churches, community facilities etc), Charitable purposes or Local Government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0 – 300kL

134.7

 

153.0

 

174.7

14.2%

 

over 300kL

180.5

 

185.9

 

192.6

3.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Commercial or Industrial discharge to sewer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-200kL per property (allowance)

 

 

Nil

 

Nil

0.0%

 

Over 200kL

 

 

84.6

 

178.5

214%

 

The number of kilolitres is calculated by multiplying the water used by the assessed discharge factor to determine discharge to sewer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Government discharge to sewer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0-200kL per property (allowance)

 

 

Nil

 

Nil

 

 

Over 200kL

 

 

253.8

 

267.7

5.5%

 

The number of kilolitres is calculated by multiplying the water used by the assessed discharge factor to determine discharge to sewer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 4 – BUILDING APPLICATION FEES

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Building plans to construct a new residential building or alter an existing residential building (charge is for each residential unit)

$108.25

 

$111.50

 

$115.50

3.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Minor building fee for approval of an outbuilding to a single residential property, includes pools, garages and pergolas (in sewered areas only)

$31.65

 

$32.60

 

$33.75

3.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Building plans for multi-residential units

$108.25

 

$111.50

 

$115.50

3.6%

 

 

/ unit

 

/ unit

 

/ unit

 

4

Building plans for other than residential and multi-residential units (construct new building/alter existing building) at a cost of —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

up to $22,500 (sewered area only)

$25.00

 

$25.00

 

$25.00

0.0%

 

over $22,500 but not over $200,000

$85.00

 

$85.00

 

$85.00

0.0%

 

$200,001 but not over $500,000

$330.00

 

$330.00

 

$330.00

0.0%

 

$500,001 but not over $1,000,000

$550.00

 

$550.00

 

$550.00

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And where the cost exceeds $1,000,000 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First $10,000,000

$0.90 per $’000

 

$0.90 per $’000

 

$0.90 per $’000

0.0%

 

Over $10,000,000                                    $9,000 plus

$0.25 per $’000

 

$0.25 per $’000

 

$0.25 per $’000

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 over $10,000,000

 

 over $10,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010/11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011/12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2012/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Increase

 

SCHEDULE 5 – OTHER FEES

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Relocation of service

actual/ quoted cost

 

actual/quoted cost

 

actual/ quoted cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Water service  disconnection or reconnection

actual/ quoted cost

 

actual/quoted cost

 

actual/ quoted cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Special meter readings for change of ownership/tenancy -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 7 days

$14.60

 

$15.05

 

$15.60

3.7%

 

Within 2 days

$49.10

 

$50.55

 

$52.35

3.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Advice of sale requests —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic advice – standard

$38.75

 

$39.90

 

$41.35

3.6%

 

Electronic advice – urgent

$73.15

 

$75.35

 

$78.05

3.6%

 

Manual advice – standard

$66.55

 

$68.55

 

$71.00

3.6%

 

Manual advice – urgent

$100.60

 

$103.60

 

$107.35

3.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Meter Tests -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20mm to 25mm meters

$93.50

 

$96.50

 

$100.00

3.6%

 

Over 25mm meters

actual/ quoted cost

 

actual/quoted cost

 

actual/ quoted cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Restoration of service after restriction between 7:00am and 4:00pm any day except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

$134.00

 

$138.00

 

$143.00

3.6%

Any other time

$212.40

 

$219.00

 

$227.00

3.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Sewer connection charge

actual/ quoted cost

 

actual/quoted cost

 

actual/ quoted cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

Installation of sewer junction

 

 

 

actual/ quoted cost

 

actual/quoted cost

 

actual/ quoted cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

Discount

$1.50

 

$1.50

 

$1.50

0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Discount interest rate

3.91%

 

4.10%

 

2.19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

Instalment charge

$3.00

 

$3.00

 

$3.00

0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

Instalment charge interest rate

4.91%

 

5.10%

 

3.19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

 

Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012

 

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

 

 

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

The Legislative Instrument sets the annual fees and charges for water and sewerage services within the Territory.

Human rights implications

Legislative Instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Conclusion

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

Overview

The Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012 was enacted to set the fees for water and wastewater services on Christmas Island. This legislation is a part of the broader Utilities and Services Ordinance 1996, which authorises the Administrator to make provisions for the supply and use of utilities and services, including water and drainage and sewerage, within the Territory. The objective of the Determination is to establish fees that align with those charged in Western Australia, aiming for full or partial cost recovery depending on the scheme's cost structure. Fees are differentiated based on the type of property, usage, and other factors to encourage efficient use of resources. The charges are structured to reflect the real cost of providing these services, with gradual adjustments planned to reach parity with Western Australian rates. The fees were set in consultation with the Western Australian Water Corporation and reflect similar rates applied to country Western Australian customers.

Scope and Application

The Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012 applies to all utilities and services related to water and sewerage on Christmas Island, as authorized by the Utilities and Services Ordinance 1996. This includes the imposition of fees for the provision and use of these services by various entities and individuals such as residential, non-residential, government, exempt, or vacant land properties. The fees are structured to achieve parity with those charged in Western Australia, with specific categories for residential, commercial, industrial, and government properties. These fees are calculated based on fixed charges and quantity charges, with the aim of encouraging efficient water usage and full cost recovery. The Determination also includes fees for building applications and other related services. This legislation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and its application extends to all relevant entities and individuals within the Christmas Island Territory. The fees and charges are subject to review and adjustment annually, aligning with those in Western Australia to ensure consistency and cost-effectiveness.

Key Provisions

The Water and Sewerage Services Fees and Charges Determination 2012 (the Determination) sets the fees for water and wastewater charges on Christmas Island, aiming to achieve parity with Western Australian rates. Section 3 of the Utilities and Services Ordinance 1996 (the Ordinance) authorises the Administrator to make provisions for the supply and use of utilities and services, including water and drainage and sewerage in the Territory, while Section 4 mandates the imposition of fees for the provision or use of such utilities and services. The fees are categorised into fixed charges and quantity charges for both residential and non-residential properties, with an additional charge for building applications and other fees. The Determination mandates the imposition of fees for the provision and use of water and sewerage services in accordance with the Ordinance. These fees are calculated based on property type and water usage, with residential properties being charged a fixed fee and a variable quantity fee depending on water consumption. Non-residential properties face similar calculations but are adjusted based on the number of major fixtures and their water consumption. Additionally, fees for building applications and other services such as disconnection or reconnection of water services are specified. Breach of the provisions set forth in the Determination may result in penalties or other consequences as prescribed by the relevant legislation. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Determination, it is implied that failure to comply with the mandated fees and charges could lead to legal repercussions under the Utilities and Services Ordinance 1996. For instance, non-payment of fees or tampering with water meters could be treated as offences with associated fines or other legal actions. Additionally, any actions that contravene the human rights principles, although not explicitly stated, could result in legal challenges under the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

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