The ACCC’s regulatory work in rail includes assessing Part IIIA undertakings submitted by rail access providers in relation to rail track infrastructure, and carrying out functions under accepted undertakings. To date only one rail infrastructure provider, the Australian Rail Track Corporation, has submitted access undertakings under Part IIIA of the Act. Two access undertakings are currently in place, one for the National Interstate Rail Network and one for the Hunter Valley Rail Network in New South Wales.
Projects
| Title | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HVAU Annual compliance assessment 2019 and 2020 | Compliance assessment |
Under assessment
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ARTC submitted its annual compliance documentation for calendar years 2019 and 2020 to the ACCC for assessment on 26 November 2021. |
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| The regulatory framework for ARTC's Interstate network | Review |
Ongoing
25 August 2021 |
The ACCC is reviewing the regulatory framework for ARTC's Interstate network. |
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| DORC valuation of the Interstate network | Update |
Finalised
21 October 2021 |
On 23 April 2020, the ACCC engaged GHD to conduct a Depreciated Optimised Replacement Cost (DORC) valuation of ARTC's Interstate network to determine the Regulated Asset Base (RAB). |
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| Annual compliance assessment 2018 | Compliance assessment |
Finalised
10 August 2021 |
On 10 August 2021, the ACCC released a final determination for the period 1 January to 31 December 2018. The ACCC's final determination is that ARTC's revised submission from 17 June 2021 is in accordance with all requirements under the HVAU. The submitted true-up test audit is also in accordance with HVAU requirements. |
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| Extension of the 2008 Interstate Access Undertaking (to 30 June 2023) | Access variation |
Accepted
15 June 2021 |
On 23 April 2021, ARTC submitted an application to extend the term of its 2008 Interstate Access Undertaking to 30 June 2023. |
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| March 2021 variation of the 2011 Hunter Valley Coal Network Access Undertaking | Access variation |
Finalised
2 June 2021 |
On 30 March 2021, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) submitted a new variation application for the current Hunter Valley Coal Network Access Undertaking. The ACCC published its Final Decision to consent to ARTC's 30 March variation application on 2 June 2021. |
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| December 2020 variation of the 2011 Hunter Valley Coal Network Access Undertaking | Access undertaking |
Withdrawn
30 March 2021 |
On 23 December 2020, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) applied to the ACCC to vary the Hunter Valley Coal Network Access Undertaking. On 30 March 2021, ARTC withdrew its 23 December 2020 variation application and submitted a new variation application. |
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| ARTC letter to the ACCC - Intention to extend Interstate Access Undertaking | Access undertaking |
Finalised
18 December 2020 |
Under section 2.2(b) of the 2008 Interstate Access Undertaking (IAU), ARTC must submit to the ACCC a written statement outlining whether or not it intends to submit a new undertaking to the ACCC for its consideration, no later than six months prior to the expiry of the 2008 IAU. |
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