Access Policy approval

The port operator is required to submit a draft Access Policy to the Commission for approval within four months of the port operator being appointed. The purpose of the Access Policy is to provide a framework for port users requesting access to prescribed services, the approach to be taken by the port operator in determining access, and the terms on which access will be provided at the Port of Darwin.

Status: final

The Commission approved the port operator's Access Policy for the Port of Darwin and published its Final Decision on 30 June 2017.

The Commission must approve the draft Access Policy if it meets the requirements of the Ports Management Act 2015, the Ports Management Regulations 2015, and any matters specified by the Minister by Gazette notice.

Although not specifically required by the regime, the Commission considered it good regulatory practice to consult with port users and other stakeholders as part of its consideration of the draft Access Policy. Two confidential submissions were received. The private port operator considered the submissions and submitted an amended draft Access Policy to the Commission in August 2016, which was made available for consultation by port stakeholders.

Three confidential submissions were received, which were made available to the private port operator for consideration. Following a review of the submissions, the private port operator submitted an amended draft Access Policy in October 2016. Between October 2016 and March 2017, the Commission engaged in further discussions with the private port operator and amended versions of the Access Policy were submitted to the Commission addressing those concerns.

In May 2017, the Commission published the private port operator's draft Access Policy and the Commission's Draft Decision for final stakeholder consultation.

After consideration of stakeholder comments and minor revisions, the Commission approved the port operator's Access Policy and published its Final Decision on 30 June 2017.

Related documents

Initiate

Draft Access Policy by Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd as trustee for the Darwin Port Manager Trust in favour of the Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory (March 2016)

Initiate (revision)

Draft Access Policy by Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd as trustee for the Darwin Port Manager Trust in favour of the Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory (August 2016)

Draft Access Policy by Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd as trustee for the Darwin Port Manager Trust in favour of the Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory (August 2016) Mark-up

Port of Darwin Standard Services Terms and Conditions (August 2016)

Port of Darwin Payment Terms (August 2016)

Port of Darwin Access Policy Summary of Amendments (August 2016)

Port of Darwin Standard Terms and Conditions Summary of changes to current terms and conditions (August 2016)

Draft

Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd: Draft Access Policy for the Port of Darwin – Draft Decision (May 2017)

Attachment A – Draft Access Policy by Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd as trustee for the Darwin Port Manager Trust in favour of the Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory (March 2016)

Attachment B – Draft Access Policy of Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd approved by the Utilities Commission on [date] (May 2017)

Attachment C – Draft Port of Darwin Standard Services Terms and Conditions (May 2017)

Attachment D – Draft Darwin Port Payment Terms and Conditions (May 2017)

Final

Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd: Draft Access Policy for the Port of Darwin – Final Decision (June 2017)

Appendix A – Access Policy of Darwin Port Operations Pty Ltd approved by the Utilities Commission on 30 June 2017

Appendix B – Port of Darwin Standard Services Terms and Conditions dated 21 June 2017

Appendix C – Darwin Port Payment Terms and Conditions dated 15 May 2017