eFlash #616

eFlash #616 New

Date: 08-Jan-2025

In this edition: Environment Forum, Gympie | Activated Sludge and BNR Course, Mackay | Micro-Credentials 2025 | CQ QWRAP Call for Submissions | High Risk Weather Preparation

Environment Forum, Gympie

qldwater will start off the 2025 events calendar with a forum to explore environmental opportunities for Queensland's urban water sector in Gympie on 13 February 2025.

This in person event will take place at The Pavillion, 77 Exhibition Road, Southside, Gympie.

This event aims to bring together practitioners from both the Environment and Urban Water sectors to explore the intersection of environmental stewardship and urban water management. Our goal is to foster greater collaboration between these sectors, ultimately leading to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.

More info and register here.

Activated Sludge and BNR Course, Mackay

The WIM Alliance has successfully secured Queensland Water Regional Alliance Program (QWRAP) funding to host an Activated Sludge and BNR course, delivered by Assoc Prof. Helen Stratton from Griffith University, and her team.

Course Details

Dates: 3rd – 7th March 2025
Location: CQUniversity Ooralea, Mackay
Spots Available: Limited (16 currently)

For a detailed course outline, please visit: Activated Sludge and Biological Nutrient Reduction (griffith.edu.au).

This intensive one-week course is one of the few short-course wastewater operational training packages available in Queensland. It is specifically designed for professionals in the wastewater industry, including operators, engineers, scientists, and managers. Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge for troubleshooting and process optimisation of activated sludge and biological nutrient removal systems.

Thanks to state government funding from the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers, delivered via QWRAP, course costs range from $1,294 to $2,156 per person, depending on participant allocations.

Participants should register their interest in attending by clicking this LINK by Friday 31st January 2025 – please note places are strictly limited.

Each council is to arrange travel and accommodation for their participants. There may be a possibility of securing a discount with accommodation if councils were to stay in the same location. Please reach out with the preference in accommodation requirements and we can see what is possible.

Micro-Credentials 2025

Registrations are now open for a series of upcoming micro-credential courses to be delivered at the qldwater offices in Eagle Farm Brisbane. The face to face, non-accredited micro-credential courses aim to provide skills uplifts for the water sector across the state. Limited places available so get your registrations in asap!

Date	Venue	Course	Cost for members
1 April 2025	Eagle Farm, Brisbane	Practical implications for Drinking Water Quality Management Plans	$410
2 April 2025	Eagle Farm, Brisbane	Making use of water quality data	$410
3-4 April 2025	Eagle Farm, Brisbane	Introduction to SCADA	$950

Please email skills@qldwater.com.au for more information, including pricing for non-members.

Regional sessions will follow throughout the year – more details to come.

CQ QWRAP Call for Submissions

The Central Queensland QWRAP region, with the support of Bid Pool Funding, is undertaking a comprehensive risk assessment of the water businesses of participating Local Governments looking at asset management, skills and resourcing and financial management. The region is currently in the market seeking submissions from contractors and consultants to undertake the project work. The terms of reference for this project are available here.

Anyone seeking further information on this project should contact Central Queensland QWRAP Coordinator Scott Mason on 0447 699 190 or email scott@lgsg.au.

High Risk Weather Preparation

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) published a series of short, recorded webinars on a dedicated high-risk weather preparation webpage. These webinars provide operators with information about their obligations during high-risk weather events.

Watch the webinars here.

Environmental authority holders can apply for a temporary emissions licence (TEL) to change the conditions of an environmental authority for a short period in response to an event like a natural disaster. Some examples of when a TEL could be used are: