Every 5 years IPART is required to review the mine life and rate of return for coal freight in the Hunter Valley Coal Network. These parameters affect the calculation of the depreciation and return on assets building blocks for the ceiling test under the NSW Rail Access Undertaking.
The results of this review will affect access prices for rail transport of coal. These prices affect the track owner, the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). They also affect freight train operators, coal miners and power station owners, who are the owners, transporters and beneficiaries of coal freight.