The Australian Competition Tribunal today, gave effect to the decision of the Minister for Industry, Trade and Resources, The Hon. Ian Macfarlane MP to partially revoke coverage under the National Gas Access Code of the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline system. The Tribunal made its decision following withdrawal by the remaining party challenging the Minister’s Decision.
In summary, the Minister’s decision in November 2003: -
• Recognises that competition exists in the transmission of natural gas into the markets of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory;
• Revokes regulatory coverage over most of the MSP, which competes to deliver gas into those markets, and
• States that pipelines which deliver gas to regional areas of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, do have some monopoly characteristics and regulatory coverage of those areas is appropriate for the present.
Australian Pipeline Trust (APA) welcomes finalisation of the revocation process, which will now enable APA to support and enhance regional development and pipeline competition. In due course APA will be developing a revised access arrangement for the balance of the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline System (possibly including the Central West Pipeline, the Interconnect with Victoria’s GasNet System and future spur lines or extensions). This will be identified as the NSW/ACT Regional Gas Transmission Grid (see map attached).
The Australian Competition Tribunal has agreed to progress APA’s Merit Appeal against the ACCC determination of Moomba to Sydney Pipeline Access Arrangement to clarify the processes for determining Initial Capital Base and the selective use of data. The outcome of the Merits Review will assist in preparation of the future revised access arrangement for the Regional Gas Transmission Grid
Finalisation of the revocation process has no immediate financial benefit.

J K McDonald
Managing Director