2013 draft access undertaking

Aurizon Network intended for the 2013 DAU to replace its approved 2010 access undertaking. It was made up of three volumes, submitted to us 30 April 2013.

As part of our investigation of the 2013 DAU, the we invited written submissions from interested parties by 10 October 2013. We published 11 stakeholders’ submissions.

On 29 November 2013, we received a submission from Aurizon Network that responded to matters raised by stakeholders in their initial written submissions.

The QCA invited stakeholders to provide any comments on matters raised in Aurizon Network’s response by 20 January 2014.  Eight further submissions were received.

On 29 January 2014, the QCA published two reports prepared by consultants to it (Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) and RSM Bird Cameron (RSMBC)) into the proposed maintenance, operating and capital costs contained in Aurizon Network’s 2013 DAU.

Interested parties were invited to provide comments on these reports. At the request of stakeholders, the due date for submissions was extended to 7 March 2014 (previously 17 February 2014).

Cost of capital

The QCA determines a cost of capital to apply to the regulated firms under its jurisdiction. This includes discussions on the current methodology for determining the cost of capital for regulated entities such as those operating in the rail sector, including Aurizon Network.