The ACCC has released a final determination granting authorisation to enable Toowoomba Regional Council and Western Downs Regional Council to jointly prepare and advertise a request for tender (RFT) for waste and recyclables collection, bulk haulage and processing services. Authorisation is granted for three years, until 15 October 2024.
The councils will not engage in any joint activity after the tenders are received. Each council will separately evaluate tenders from service providers, and separately negotiate and enter into individual contracts with the successful tenderers.
The ACCC considers that jointly preparing and advertising the RFT is likely to result in public benefits in the form of reduced transaction costs for the councils and service providers, and some increased competition between service providers. The ACCC considers that the proposed conduct is likely to result in minimal public detriment.
The ACCC's determination is available on the ACCC public register at Toowoomba Regional Council and Western Downs Regional Council