On 3 September 2024, the ACCC released a draft determination proposing not to grant authorisation to the Copping Refuse Disposal Site Joint Authority trading as Southern Waste Solutions (SWS) to design, build and operate a contained organics waste facility in Copping, Tasmania. SWS seeks authorisation for 26 years. The ACCC has also decided not to grant interim authorisation.
SWS applied on behalf of itself and the City of Clarence, Sorrell Council, Tasman Council and Kingborough Council as members of SWS, and on behalf of the successful contractor which would be determined as a result of the proposed request for tender process.
Based on the evidence and information before it, the ACCC considers that in the future with the proposed conduct the proposed facility by SWS at Copping will likely proceed and that a competing proposed facility located at Boyer is not likely to proceed. The ACCC also considers that in the future without the proposed conduct, the proposed facility at Copping is unlikely to proceed and that proposed facility at Boyer is likely to proceed.
Based on the information before it, the ACCC is not satisfied in all the circumstances that the proposed conduct is likely to result in public benefits that would outweigh the public detriments likely to result from the proposed conduct.
The ACCC invites the views of interested parties on the draft determination by 17 September 2024. Further details about the application and how to make a submission are available on the ACCC's public register at: Southern Waste Solutions