23 March 2018
Who does this notice affect?
Vessel operators paying the vessel (>25m) arrival charge.
What has changed?
The seaports program is not recovering its costs.
The actual number of vessel arrivals have been substantially lower than modelled in the 2015-16 Biosecurity CRIS. This has resulted in revenue being less than required for the program.
In addition, the department is responsible for the implementation and management of Australia’s obligation under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments. To meet these obligations, regulatory measures were introduced in September 2017 to reduce the spread of invasive marine species. This has increased the Biosecurity arrangements cost base.
Both of these factors combined require the vessel arrival charge to be increased.
Increased charges
The charge is set at a level that is designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in connection with the prescribed matter to which the vessel arrival charge relates.
The Vessel (>25m) arrival charge of $720 per arrival will be increased to $920 per arrival.
Further information
It is expected that charges will be applied from 1 May 2018. Industry participants requesting further information are encouraged to contact the department at Cost Recovery.