The ACCC has decided not to object to a collective bargaining notification lodged by the Virginia Irrigation Association Incorporated (VIA) on behalf of current and future members, to negotiate customer contracts with the South Australian Water Corporation for recycled water supplied via the Virginia Pipeline Scheme (VPS).
VIA requested that the notification continue for 10 years.
The ACCC did not to object to the notification on the basis that it would result in public benefits in the form of transaction cost savings and enabling VIA members to have better input into contracts, and minimal, if any, detriments. The ACCC decided to allow the immunity provided by the notification to remain in force for ten years from the date it was lodged. Accordingly, the notification came into force on 5 November 2019 and will remain in force until 21 October 2029, unless it is withdrawn or revoked.
Further information about the ACCC’s decision and VIA’s application is available on the public register at: Virginia Irrigation Association Incorporated.