“Ambush Charges” Deferred

As members are aware the ACT Government published its fee determination (01) for road closures and the use of public unleased land, commencing 1 July 2025. The fees were categorized as ‘ambush charges’ due to the unprecedented high rates of select use fees.

The ACT Government has now published a new fee determination (02) to replace the previous version, together with an  explanatory statement which explains that:

• Select use fees for major and minor roads and community pathway systems have been deferred to an unknown date.
• Due to the delay of road closure fees, the definition of Tier 1 and Tier 2 have been amended to reflect the public land use fee rate applicable to an adjacent road, as applied in 2024.

If members have paid a fee for those items now deferred, you may be eligible for a refund and should apply to the relevant department.

Master Builders ACT is consulting with the ACT Government on these changes and will keep members informed of developments. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Workplace Relations Team on (02) 6175 5900 or workplace@mba.org.au.