The ACCC proposes to revoke authorisation AA1000596 and grant authorisation AA1000612 in substitution to enable 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 of 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.
The Participating Councils were recently authorised to engage in this conduct on 14 April 2022 until 6 May 2032. The Participating Councils are seeking re-authorisation for the same conduct but for a longer period until 30 June 2034.
The ACCC has also granted interim authorisation to allow the parties to progress the procurement process including issuing a Request for Tender. 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.