The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to authorise the Albury City Council, Wodonga City Council, Indigo Shire Council, Greater Hume Council, Federation Council, Leeton Shire Council, Berrigan Shire Council and Edward River Council (the Participating Councils) to collectively tender and contract for waste and recycling collection, transport, sorting, and processing services.
The ACCC considers the joint tendering, procurement and management of the various services is likely to result in public benefits in the form environmental benefits, increased efficiencies, increased competition, and transaction cost savings.
The ACCC considers that the collective tender arrangement is likely to result in limited public detriment as the tender process will be competitive and transparent; participation is voluntary for the Participating Councils and for potential suppliers of the various services; suppliers of the various services are able to bid to supply a single Council or groups of Councils; and each Participating Council will independently decide which supply option best suits its needs, either through joint tendering or separate contracting with a supplier.
In recognition of the long-term contracts the Participating Councils expect to enter following the tender process, the ACCC proposes to grant authorisation for 10 years.
The ACCC has also granted interim authorisation to enable the Participating Councils to commence the tender process while the ACCC is considering the substantive application. Interim authorisation is not sought for execution of contracts, which will only occur if the ACCC issues a final determination authorising the Proposed Conduct.
Further information about the ACCC’s interim authorisation and draft determination is available on the ACCC public register at: Albury City Council & Ors.