Current projects and consultations

The ACCC is currently involved in the following project and associated consultation:


Arrangements accredited under the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules


The ACCC has accredited arrangements in Victoria that allow the Essential Services Commission (ESCV) to determine regulated charges of infrastructure operators in Victoria regulated under Part 6 and Part 7 of the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules.

 Unless revoked under rule 67 of the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules the period of accreditation is ten years.

The notice of decision to the ESCV is attached. The notice took effect from 17 February 2012.

The terms and conditions of accreditation are provided in a separate document.

The accreditation arrangements that Victoria will impose are included as another document below.


Notice of Decision to ESCV.pdf (613.2 KB)

Reasons for decision and terms and conditions of accreditation.pdf (105.6 KB)

On 27 June 2012, the ACCC and the ESCV signed a Memorandaum of Understanding (MOU) relating to their accredited functions under the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules.

The MOU provided below sets out the arrangements to promote effective communication, cooperation and coordination between the ESCV and the ACCC.


Accredited arrangements in Victoria.pdf (244.5 KB)

Memorandum of Understanding with the Essential Services Commission of Victoria regarding the respective roles under the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules - Signed.pdf (527.1 KB)

Proposed amendments to the Water Market Rules 2009 and Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules 2009

The ACCC has prepared advice and draft rules on proposed amendments to the Water Market Rules 2009 and the Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules 2009.

The minister wrote to the ACCC in September 2009 requesting advice on possible amendments of a technical nature to the rules. As outlined in the letter the proposed amendments relate to:

  • Murray Irrigation Limited’s (MIL’s) reissue of irrigators’ water entitlements. MIL has expressed concern that it may not benefit from the protection against legal action that s.97(10) of the Water Act 2007 provides to operators.
  • minor amendments to address technical issues with the Rules. These amendments do not appear to raise any policy implications and are proposed to ensure the Rules more accurately reflect the ACCC’s final advice on Water Market Rules provided to the minister in December 2008.

The ACCC provided its final advice to the minster in March 2010.

The ACCC's final advice and draft rules are provided below.

The ACCC has also previously made public draft advice and public submissions during the policy development phase of these amendments.


Memorandum of Understanding with the Victorian Essential Services Commission regarding the respective roles under the Water Charge (Infrastructure) Rules.doc (154.5 KB)

ACCC final advice on amendments to the Water Market Rules and Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules.pdf (213.4 KB)

Draft Water Charge (Termination Fees) Amendment Rules 2010.pdf (19.2 KB)

Draft Water Market Amendment Rules 2010.pdf (22.4 KB)