Final guidance is due in late 2026
The Essential Services Commission is seeking public feedback on guidance for reviewing major infrastructure projects at the Port of Melbourne.
Under a new role, the commission will review applications for major projects in the Port Capacity Enhancement Program before the port spends money on them.
If the commission approves a project, the Port of Melbourne may be able to increase charges to fund it.
Proposed changes to the commission’s Statement of Regulatory Approach set out how it will assess project applications, what information the port must provide and how approved projects will be monitored.
Port charges and project costs
Those changes would also clarify how Port Capacity Enhancement Program costs can be included in port charges and what information the port must provide about those costs.
The port aims to use the program to build a fourth international container terminal to expand capacity and meet future trade demand.
Gerard Brody, the commission’s chairperson and commissioner, said: “This is an opportunity for the Port of Melbourne, port users, and other interested parties, to have their say on whether our proposed guidance clarifies how the commission will assess major projects.”
According to the commission, the guidance update is not an assessment of the Port Capacity Enhancement Program itself.
Instead, the Statement of Regulatory Approach guides the Port of Melbourne and port users on how the commission administers the pricing order.
That pricing order sets rules for charges on key services, including berthing ships, using shipping channels, short-term storage and access to infrastructure such as wharves, roads and rail.
Brody said port charges affect the cost of moving goods through Victoria, so clear rules and appropriate oversight are important.
Meanwhile, anyone who wants to comment on the proposed changes can lodge feedback through Engage Victoria until 5pm on 12 October 2026.
The commission intends to release final guidance in late 2026.
In 2027, the commission expects the port to lodge an application related to the Port Capacity Enhancement Project. After that, it will publish an invitation for submissions and consult interested parties again.
Port of Melbourne supports international and domestic shipping services that move containerised and general cargo from Melbourne through Port Phillip Bay.
