Sustainability Report 2006/07Other information
Consultants
During 2006/07, Melbourne Water engaged nine consultants at less than $100,000 each to undertake operational works projects at a total cost of $334,000.
National Competition Policy
Melbourne Water will submit its 2008 Water Plan to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) in October 2007 to enable the Commission to make its second price determination for the five year period commencing 2008/09. The 2008 Water Plan will set out performance relative to the expenditures and outcomes included in the ESC’s first determination as well as proposed outcomes, expenditures and prices for the second price determination period. This is consistent with the National Competition Policy’s pricing and institutional reform objectives.
Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria)
The Energy and Water Ombudsman’s role is to receive, investigate and facilitate resolution of complaints and disputes between Victorian consumers of energy and water and providers of these services. The scheme provides consumers with a free, specialised and independent dispute resolution process as an alternative to legal proceedings or other complaint processes.
Industry participants fund the scheme
and its board includes representatives from the water, gas and electricity industries as well as consumer bodies.
Its independent chairman is appointed by the Victorian Government, which also appoints the Ombudsman.
Melbourne Water has a procedure to ensure prompt response to all complaints received from the Ombudsman’s office. Our objective in investigating issues underlying these complaints is to improve our service to customers.
Melbourne Water responded to 19 cases this financial year. Of these, six were enquiries and 13 were complaints. Enquiries covered a range of issues including subdivision, licensing and drainage.
Two complaints were ongoing from the previous financial year involving creek maintenance and revegetation of a stream frontage. Other complaints related to flooding, easements and pipe location. At 30 June 2007, one complaint was still
to be resolved.
Compliance with Building Act 1993
Melbourne Water complies with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993 (Vic.) for buildings and structures we own.
Pricing
Consistent with the Essential Services Commission’s 2005 Water Price Review, Melbourne Water’s prices will increase by an average of 2.1% in real terms (excluding inflation) for each of the three years commencing 1 July 2005.
This reflects the Commission’s assessment of the efficient cost of delivering customer, government and regulatory requirements over that period. Further information on bulk water and sewerage charges and drainage rates is available at melbournewater.com.au
Information available on request
Further information is available on request about: pecuniary interests of relevant officers, details of Melbourne Water publications, major external reviews carried out on Melbourne Water, research and development activities, overseas visits, major promotional, public relations and marketing activities, assessments and measures to improve the occupational health and safety of employees, statement of industrial relations and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes, and major sponsorships.
Please ring 131 722 (within Victoria) or
(03) 9235 7100 (within the rest of Australia) or visit melbournewater.com.au