The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has been directed to review irrigation prices for water supply schemes operated by Sunwater and Seqwater.
The Government-ordered review will recommend irrigation prices for the four-year period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029, with Sunwater and Seqwater due to submit their pricing proposals to the QCA by 30 November.
The QCA, the State’s economic regulator, has released a guidance paper for the businesses to assist them in preparing their pricing proposals, available on its website.
Chair of the QCA, Flavio Menezes said it was important that the businesses take greater ownership of their pricing proposals.
“We encourage the businesses to undertake meaningful engagement with customers and other affected stakeholders in developing their pricing proposals,” Professor Menezes said.
“We advise stakeholders to contact the water businesses to find out how they can get involved early on, while the pricing proposals are being developed.”
He said the QCA’s formal consultation process would begin after it receives the businesses’ pricing proposals.
“We understand how important this review is to stakeholders, and we plan to hold initial stakeholder workshops in early 2024,” Professor Menezes said.
“The QCA will provide stakeholders with further information about the workshops closer to the time.”
He said stakeholders would also have opportunities to comment on the businesses’ pricing proposals and the QCA’s draft report, which would be due by 30 June 2024.
