2024 Review of the water third party access regime - final report

01 Jul 2024

The Commission conducted a review of the third party access regime that applies to declared water and sewerage infrastructure, which is subject to Part 9A of the Water Industry Act 2012 (Act). The Commission’s final report recommended that the access regime should remain in effect and be extended by regulation for a further five-year period.

Indicators appear to suggest that the access regime has supported the statutory objectives of the Act. This includes promoting economically efficient use and operation of and investment in declared infrastructure so as to promote competition in upstream markets, and promoting efficiency, competition and innovation in the water industry.

While there is uncertainty about the exact magnitude of the benefits of the access regime, the expected benefits exceed the costs. Stakeholders have either supported the continuation of the access regime or noted the imbalance in bargaining power between those seeking access and SA Water.

In accordance with the Act, and following the recommendation of the Commission, the operation of the access regime was extended by regulation by the South Australian Government for five years from 1 July 2024.

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2024 Review of the water third party access regime