The (Australian Government) Productivity Commission is inviting parties to register their interest in an inquiry into Australia's urban water sector. In undertaking the inquiry, the Commission will identify opportunities for efficiency gains in the structural, institutional, regulatory and other arrangements that govern the sector. In particular, the Commission will:
•provide options to achieve identified efficiency gains
•subject these options to a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to identify their:
◦economic, social and environmental impacts
◦impacts on Australian governments, business and consumers
◦propensity to facilitate supply and demand planning and decision-making in the medium and long term.
•propose a work program including implementation plans for the options, identifying:
◦practical actions that the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and local councils can undertake to implement options for reforms, including any transitional arrangements
◦priority areas where greatest efficiency gains are evident and where early action is practicable
◦quantitative and qualitative indicators for efficiency gains in the urban water and waste water sectors.
In the course of the inquiry, the Commission will consult widely with government agencies and other interested parties. (extract from productivity commission web site).
For more information http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/urban-water
Terms of reference http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/urban-water/terms-of-reference
(nb PSI affiliate the ASU has already registered an interest on behalf of all ASU Water Industry Division Branches across the Country – contact person Greg Mclean Assistant National Secretary)
PSI Asia Pacific - Utilities - Electricity - Water & Local Government Network Bulletin Blog - The below items are published as an internal PSI Bulletin monthly or you can follow by each post by e-mail.
