Regulator to review Port of Melbourne’s application to alter fees

Wharfage fees for exports could be reduced and the fees for some imports increased under a proposal from the Port of Melbourne to rebalance its prescribed service tariffs for 2021-22.

The application is being reviewed by Victoria’s independent economic regulator, the Essential Services Commission.

Commission executive director price monitoring and regulation Marcus Crudden says the commission will assess this application in line with the Port Management Act 1995.

“We are conducting extensive engagement with port users and other stakeholders in assessing the application,” he said.

The proposed tariff rebalancing relates only to wharfage fees for overseas full containers. All other prescribed service tariffs may be adjusted by inflation in 2021-22 in accordance with the tariff adjustment limit.  Rebalanced prescribed service tariffs will come into effect from 1 July 2021.

Mr Crudden says the commission is seeking input from stakeholders on the application until 1 February 2021, via Engage Victoria. 

If the Port of Melbourne’s application is approved, the new price structure will apply from 1 July 2021.