Sunwater Limited: Decisions under Part 6 of the Water Charge Rules 2010

On 15 December 2021, the ACCC decided to grant Sunwater Limited (Sunwater) an exemption from the operation of the requirements of divisions 2, 3 and 4 of Part 6 of the Water Charge Rules 2010 that is subject to review in 5 years' time.

The ACCC considered the factors under rule 23C(5) and it is satisfied that the application of the requirements in divisions 2, 3 and 4 of Part 6 to Sunwater would not materially contribute to the achievement of the Basin water charging objectives and principles set out in Schedule 2 of the Water Act 2007 (Cth).

That said, the ACCC considers there are aspects of the Queensland regulatory framework that could be strengthened to better reflect particular Basin water charging objectives and principles. National water reform commitments, including to the water charging objectives and principles, are currently under review by the Australian and State and Territory governments. As such, the ACCC will review the decision to exempt Sunwater in 5 years' time.