Today Port of Melbourne (PoM) published its 2022-23 Reference Tariff Schedule (RTS). A copy is available on PoM's website here.
The RTS states PoM's tariffs for Prescribed Services as they will apply from 1 July 2022. Prescribed Services are defined under section 49 of the Port Management Act 1995 (Vic). Prescribed services include channel services, berthing services, short-term storage and cargo marshalling facility services and other services allowing access or use of certain port infrastructure.
The tariffs for Prescribed Services have increased 5.1% compared to the 2021-22 RTS. The increase is based on the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12 months to March 2022. The CPI is the All Groups Index Number (weighted average of eight capital cities) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In setting its tariffs for Prescribed Services, PoM complied with requirements in the Pricing Order – a regulatory instrument made by the Governor in Council under section 49A of the Port Management Act 1995 (Vic). The Pricing Order is available on the Victorian Government Gazette website, and can be accessed here.
In addition, PoM is required to comply with the Undertaking the Port of Melbourne recently made in response to the Essential Services Commission's (ESC) first review of PoM's compliance with the Pricing Order. The Undertaking outlines actions the Port has taken to remedy the non-compliance identified by the ESC and also our commitment to ensure compliance going forward. The Undertaking is legally binding until 30 June 2027, and can be accessed here. As recognised by the ESC there were no price impacts on port users during the review period as a result of the findings of non-compliance.
Today PoM submitted its Tariff Compliance Statement (TCS) for 2022-23 to the ESC [hyperlink]. The TCS explains how PoM complied with the Pricing Order and the Undertaking in calculating its 2022-23 tariffs.
The past year has seen the delivery of the Container Logistics Chain Study, the commencement of construction of the Port Rail Transformation Project and commencement of the Webb Dock East Extension Project. We remain focused on ensuring the resilience of the supply chains moving through the port as we continue to manage high demand for shipping against a backdrop of global disruption.
Over the course of 2021-22, PoM has engaged with a wide group of stakeholders from industry, government and across the community. We greatly appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you for continuing to help us grow the port and be an important contributor to economic activity.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please don't hesitate to reach out either by phone to Michael Black, PoM's Head of Regulation, on 0438 394 274 or email rts@portofmelbourne.com
Yours sincerely
Saul Cannon
Chief Executive Officer
Port of Melbourne