The Port of Melbourne Corporation has released an Industry Information Paper as part of a review of published fees and charges for the Reference Tariff Schedule (RTS).

The document outlines major considerations that could shape any future changes.

The RTS is published by the Port of Melbourne every year, and outlines wharfage fees, channel fees, berth hire and other services.

While the Victorian Government has indicated it will seek private sector in new leases on the Port of Melbourne, the current RTS review only covers what is familiar ground for most industry stakeholders.

PoMC Chief Executive Officer, Nick Easy, said:

“The setting of RTS fees and charges is based on well-known principles which have been in place for the past five years and will continue to apply for the 2015-16 RTS period.

“PoMC is considering an RTS price adjustment range from CPI to CPI plus 1.5%. It could be a lesser or greater amount - but that is the purpose of this industry consultation.

“The quantum of any increase has not been determined. That is why we have actively sought this engagement opportunity to give industry an indication of our current thinking and seek their feedback before determining the outcome.

“We encourage industry to make their submissions on the RTS by COB 27 April to assist in this year’s review.”

The Industry Information Paper has been sent to key representative groups, tenants and cargo owners, all of whom are invited to submit their feedback on the relevant items covered by the RTS.

Access to the documents and more information can be found at the Port of Melbourne website.