Transition to new WICA

Our fact sheet contains important information for existing licensees under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (WIC Act). 

On 1 March 2024 substantial changes were made to the WIC Act after the commencement of the Water Industry Competition Amendment Act 2021 and the Water Industry Competition (General) Regulation 2024.  

From 1 March 2024, there is a 12-month transition period (called the Transition Period). 

The key changes during the Transition Period include: 

• Licensees that will continue to be regulated under the WIC Act will have their existing licences transitioned into new licence and approval instruments  

• Licensees will be consulted on the new transitioned instruments 

• If a scheme involves ‘essential infrastructure’, a last resort provider will be designated for the essential services 

• Licensees will have an opportunity to apply to have licences varied in relation to maximum scale or classes of infrastructure. 

• Licensees that will not continue to be regulated under the WIC Act will be notified