Productivity Commission inquiry into Australia’s urban water sector

The Productivity Commission invites interested parties to register their interest in a newly announced inquiry into Australia’s urban water sector. In undertaking the inquiry, the Commission will identify opportunities for efficiency gains in the structural, institutional, regulatory and other arrangements that govern the sector.

In particular, the Commission will:

• Provide options to achieve identified efficiency gains.
• Subject these options to a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to identify their economic, social and environmental impacts; impacts on Australian governments, business and consumers; and propensity to facilitate supply and demand planning and decision-making in the medium and long term.
• Propose a work program including implementation plans for the options, identifying practical actions that the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and local councils can undertake to implement options for reforms, including any transitional arrangements; priority areas where greatest efficiency gains are evident and where early action is practicable; and quantitative and qualitative indicators for efficiency gains in the urban water and waste water sectors.

In the course of the inquiry, the Commission will consult widely with government agencies and other interested parties.

To register your interest visit Australia’s Urban Water Sector – Public inquiry.