The way in which we manage our business is guided by several pieces of legislation and associated instruments.
The key legislative instruments that apply to our operations are as follows:
Water Act 1989 – this Act has the following purposes (among others):
- to promote the orderly, equitable and efficient use of water resources
- to make sure that water resources are conserved and properly managed for sustainable use for the benefit of present and future Victorians
- to foster the provision of responsible and efficient water services suited to various needs and various consumers
- provide formal means for the protection and enhancement of the environmental qualities of waterways and their in-stream uses.
Water Industry Act 1994 – Sets out some objectives for our regulator, the Essential Services Commission, and provides for the development of a ‘Water Industry Regulatory Order’ and ‘Statement(s) of Obligations’ that apply to Government-owned water corporations.
Water Industry Regulatory Order 2014 (Victoria Government Gazette, G43, 23 October 2014, pp2485-2491) – the purpose of this Order is to provide a framework for economic regulation by the Essential Services Commission for services provided by the regulated water industry.