Oct 21
How can we honestly expect to get an honest answer to what desalination would cost us …?
Have a look at the Essential Services Commission’s Issue Papers - “WATER TARIFF STRUCTURES REVIEW”
“… Third, building dams, diverting water from rivers, taking groundwater out of
aquifers, desalinating seawater, transporting water to other locations and using
water can all have significant environmental impacts.9 In perfectly competitive,
markets, marginal costs would include all costs, including environmental costs.
However, in the water industry, marginal cost calculations generally exclude these
costs because of severe estimation difficulties.”
Essential Services Commission’s Issue Papers - “WATER TARIFF STRUCTURES REVIEW” 
Aug 14
As stated in the paper’s preface:
“The Commission has produced this paper to assist those considering making a
submission to the inquiry and to pose questions that participants might address
in their submissions. Submissions need not address all the questions and can
raise others issues within the terms of reference. While the Commission
encourages participants to provide evidence to support their views, submissions
need not be extensive documents. For example, a short letter may be sufficient.
Given the time frame for the inquiry, the Commission has released this issues
paper quickly to give participants the maximum possible time to participate in
the inquiry.
In undertaking the inquiry, the Commission will also consult with key interest
groups before releasing a draft report for further public consultation in
December. The final report is to be submitted to the Victorian Treasurer by the
end of February 2008. The inquiry will be undertaken by three VCEC
Commissioners (Graham Evans, Bruce Cohen and Alice Williams).
Graham Evans AO
Chair
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission ”
Aug 14
Mr Graham Evans AO
Chairperson
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission
Level 14, 55 Collins Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Dear Mr Evans
REVIEW OF THE METROPOLITAN RETAIL WATER SECTOR
Pursuant to section 4 of the State Owned Enterprises (State Body – Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission) Order (‘the Order’), I hereby direct the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (‘the Commission’) to conduct a review on the metropolitan retail water sector. Please find enclosed the terms of reference.
The purpose of this inquiry is to review and recommend options for improving the structure of the metropolitan retail water sector to ensure that it continues to provide secure and reliable water services at least cost to the community.
Continue reading Letter of Transmittal - from JOHN LENDERS MP Treasurer »
Aug 14
” Premier John Brumby announced today that the Government would review the structure of the retail water industry in Melbourne.
“To meet the future challenges facing the water industry – including population growth, the need to boost Melbourne’s water supplies and climate change – we need to ensure that we have an efficient and effective industry structure,†Mr Brumby said.
“Melbourne’s three water retailers have provided a quality service to date but reform is required so the industry can provide a better, more responsive and value for money service to Melbourne households and industry for the future.†”
Media release from the office of the Premier - REFORM OF MELBOURNE’S WATER INDUSTRY
