Urban water pricing
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Legislation, regulation, statutory instruments, licences (colour code: orange) |
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Institutions or individuals, such as a state minister & departments, authorities,water customers, associations & activities (colour code: green) |
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Non-statutory documents & activities (colour code: blue) |
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Document in draft form (colour code: red) |
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Document or product under development (colour code: purple) |
Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984
Gives the Minister for Water the power to determine water charges for the Water Corporation, which are set through by-laws. Western Australia’s legislative reform program aims to consolidate all legislation and regulatory instruments that regulate water charges into one bill: the Water Services Bill.
Water Boards Act 1904
Gives the Minister for Water the power to determine water charges for Aqwest and Busselton Water. Western Australia’s legislative reform program aims to consolidate all legislation and regulatory instruments that regulate water charges into one Bill: the Water Services Bill.
Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003
Establishes the Economic Regulation Authority and its functions.
Minister for Water
Has responsibility for the Department of Water, Water Corporation, Busselton Water Board and Aqwest (Bunbury Water Board). The Minister is supported by the Department of Water.
The Government of Western Australia has retained the price-setting function for water service providers. The Minister for Water sets water charges for the Water Corporation through a by-law process under the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984. When setting these water charges, the Minister considers the recommendations made by the Economic Regulation Authority for guidance. The charges of other water service providers (Aqwest, Busselton Water) are set by their respective boards and approved by the Minister.
Economic Regulation Authority
An independent regulatory body set up under the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003.
The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) assists the Government of Western Australia to set prices by undertaking inquiries into, for example, urban and country water and wastewater prices and into bulk water supply options. In addition, the ERA has an ongoing reference to provide an annual review of Water Corporation tariff levels.
The ERA also sets service standards independently through operating licences.
www.era.wa.gov.au
The Treasurer is the main spokesperson for the Government of Western Australia’s financial decisions. The Treasurer considers the financial consequences of all government policies, not only the business of his or her own portfolio. The Treasurer prepares and presents the Budget on an annual basis.
Water Agencies (Charges) By-Laws 1987
The Minister for Water sets the Water Corporation’s water charges using by-laws issued under the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984. Western Australia’s legislative reform program aims to consolidate all legislation and regulatory instruments that regulate water charges into one Bill: the Water Services Bill.
Pricing inquiries
In determining water charges, the Minister for Water may be informed by pricing inquiries conducted by the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA). The ERA has an ongoing reference to undertake an annual review of Water Corporation charges.
Terms of reference
The Treasurer can request that the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) investigate water and wastewater pricing for any water storage and delivery providers in Western Australia by issuing the ERA with a terms of reference.
Proposed water charges
Water service providers may request the Minister for Water to approve changes in water charges. Decisions on water charges may be informed by specific Economic Regulation Authority inquiries.
Water Corporation
A government owned business enterprise established by the Water Corporation Act 1995. The Water Corporation provides water, sewerage and drainage services to 97% of Western Australia’s population and bulk water supplies to irrigation districts. The Water Corporation owns and operates 110 dams and reservoirs, and is responsible for water supply planning and infrastructure management.
The Water Corporation’s water charges are regulated through by-laws made by the Minister for Water under the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984.
www.watercorporation.com.au
Aqwest
A government statutory authority operating under the Water Boards Act 1904. It provides potable water services to the regional centre of Bunbury, approximately 190 kilometres south of Perth.
Aqwest’s water charges are set by the Minister for Water under the Water Boards Act 1904.
www.aqwest.wa.gov.au
Operating licence (incl. service standards)
The Economic Regulation Authority grants operating licences to metropolitan water service providers under the Water Services Licensing Act 1995 consistent with government policy. Operating licences specify a range of standards to be met by the water service provider.
Busselton Water
A government statutory authority operating under the Water Boards Act 1904. It provides potable water services to the regional centre of Busselton, approximately 250 kilometres south of Perth.
Busselton Water’s water charges are set by the Minister for Water under the Water Boards Act 1904.
www.busseltonwater.wa.gov.au