eFlash #623 New
Date: 16-Apr-2025
In this edition: Welcome Cass Cowley | Trade Waste Uplift Project | Latest Submissions | Essentials Webinar Recordings | Area 9 Proof of Concept | IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference | Fire Ant Biosecurity Zones | Water Research Australia Know Your Neighbour Event | Cairns Operator Vacancies | Trade Waste Vacancy at Douglas Shire Council
Welcome Cass Cowley
qldwater is delighted to welcome Cass Cowley to our team. Cass started on Monday but she is no stranger to our team, having worked closely with the Directorate as the Industry Engagement Manager at the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
Cass brings with her extensive knowledge of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) landscape and experience in RTO's, audit roles, regional and workforce development and now direct sector/industry engagement.
Contact details for Cass and all qldwater staff is available here.
Trade Waste Uplift Project Lifts Off
Trade waste practitioners from across regional Queensland participated, in person and online, at the establishment meeting for qldwater’s Trade Waste Uplift Project (TWU project).
The TWU project aims to create an enduring Trade Waste Interest Group (TWIG) and to use that TWIG as a forum for advancement of trade waste management practices in Queensland. In particular, the TWIG coordinator, Colin Hester, has set his sights on bringing a high level of state-wide consistency to trade waste management through the development of a model regional trade waste management plan and supporting collateral. Read more about Col’s concept for a regional trade waste management here.
Such consistency is a feature of progressive trade waste jurisdictions and delivers efficiency and customer satisfaction by clarifying responsibilities and avoiding re-work.
A big thank you to all attendees for the high-level of support provided. Also, many thanks to Bundaberg Regional Council for hosting the event and Livingstone Shire Council for their encouragement and support during the projects formative stages.
The next meeting of the TWIG will be held in early July on a date to be announced via qldwater e-Flash.
Latest Submissions
As the key advocacy body for the Queensland urban water sector, qldwater writes regular submissions to support our members. All reports and submissions can be accessed on our website (members only).
The latest submissions include:
- qldwater Submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme proposing amendments including the introduction of market-based reporting of emissions from consumption of biomethane and hydrogen and enabling reporters to account for biosolids diverted to biochar production.
- An Election Manifesto for the 2025 Australian Federal Election outlining key policy positions that qldwater and its members wish to advance and inviting all political candidates and parties to adopt as formal political policy.
- Letter to the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, regarding the review of the Animal Effluent Management ACCU method, noting the urgent need for policy certainty around a new/updated Wastewater method to provide (investment and project) confidence for the sector.
- Letter to the Director General of the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers in response to the Queensland Government's commitment to partner with Local Government in identifying initiatives to streamline approvals and remove barriers. In the submission, qldwater identify six priority areas where there are unnecessary barriers and risks to the efficient and effective role of urban water service providers across Queensland, proposing several initiatives and amendments to remove these barriers.
- Letter to Hon Samuel O'Connor, Minister for Housing and Public Works, providing an opportunity for red tape reduction by allowing network operators from Water Service Providers to access residential properties for blockage clearance. This proposal provides an opportunity to streamline approval processes and removes barriers for local councils to simply access and maintain their sewerage assets (to remove blockages quickly and in a cost-effective manner).
Essentials Webinars
Recordings of the latest Essentials Webinars are now available on our website.
High Pressure Water Jetting
In this webinar, industry experts involved in getting the HPWJ exemption over the line break down the background and regulatory framework of the exemption, the research findings on asbestos risks in wastewater networks and the development and implementation of a Safe Work Method Statement.
Arc Flash Risks
Delivered by Electrical Engineer Tim Stewart from Unitywater, this information is essential for anyone involved in electrical safety, operations or asset management in the water sector. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Unitywater’s experience in managing a critical safety risk. The website include links to additional resources including specifications and a Working Around Switchboards Guide.
Area 9 Proof of Concept
qldwater, in collaboration with Area 9, have developed a Proof of Concept to enhance safety in the water sector through AI-driven adaptive learning.
Two courses have been added to the Water Training website including Confined Space and Lock Out Tag Out. The courses are open for self-enrolment from this link.
Please email skills@qldwater.com.au if you have issues accessing the course and/or are willing to share your feedback.
OTHER NEWS
IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference Call for Abstracts
The Call for Abstracts is now open for the 2025 IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference, taking place on 8-10 October in Brisbane.
The Annual Conference brings together public works professionals from across Queensland and the Northern Territory to share knowledge, showcase innovation and explore solutions to the challenges facing our sector.
If you have a project, case study, research initiative or practical insight that would be of value to the public works community, we invite you to submit an abstract for consideration.
Presentations can be delivered in either:
- A 30-minute format (including Q&A) – eligible for the Geoff Wilmoth Best Paper Award
- A 15-minute lightning talk – ideal for high-impact insights and short case studies
If you have any questions, please email events@ipweaq.com.
Fire ant biosecurity zones
The fire ant biosecurity zones have been updated to reduce the risk of fire ants spreading through human-assisted movement. If you live or work near a fire ant detection and transport materials that can carry fire ants, these changes may affect you. Full or partial suburbs have been added to zones 1 and 2 to reflect recent fire ant detections.
Anyone handling or transporting materials that can carry fire ants within these zones must meet their general biosecurity obligation (GBO) by:
- checking the fire ant biosecurity zones before moving materials off-site
- using fire ant-safe practices when handling, storing, and moving materials.
There is also a new GBO guideline for businesses. This GBO guideline, made under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), is for businesses that deal with materials that can carry fire ants. It explains what steps you should take to meet your GBO to reduce the risk of spreading fire ants. Eradication is only possible if all levels of government, industry and the community work together. Visit the website and subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates.
Water Research Australia Know Your Neighbour Event
WaterRA invites all Queensland-based water professionals to a Know Your Neighbour (KYN) event on Monday, 29 April 2025, from 5pm to connect with fellow researchers, utilities, and industry leaders.
KYN events are designed to strengthen local networks, spark new ideas, and explore regional water challenges. Whether you’re looking to share knowledge, gain fresh perspectives, or simply meet others in the sector, this event is the perfect opportunity.
WaterRA members attend free, while non-members can join for just $49.
Cairns Operator Vacancies
Cairns Regional Council has two full-time permanent Operator Water Treatment positions available. As a Water Treatment Operator, you’ll play a crucial role in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment systems. You’ll ensure the highest standards of water quality while optimising processes to safeguard this precious resource.
A particularly exciting aspect of this position is the potential opportunity to work at our brand-new, state-of-the-art water treatment facility in Gordonvale. This is your chance to play a key role in the commissioning and ongoing operation of a facility that will set new benchmarks for innovation and excellence in water treatment. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from the latest technologies, grow your expertise, and thrive in an environment built to support both sustainability and operational success.
For more information, please contact the recruitment team on (07) 4044 3310 or jobs@cairns.qld.gov.au.
To apply please visit the Employment at Council website. Applications close on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 at 11:30pm AEST.
Trade Waste Vacancy at Douglas Shire Council
Looking to learn new skills or know someone who may? Douglas Shire Council is seeking a motivated Plumbing and Trade Waste Officer to join their Water & Wastewater Team. You don’t need to be a plumber to apply.
If you're eager to learn, enjoy working in a team, and want to build practical skills, this could be the perfect role for you.
Learn more and apply here: Plumbing and Trade Waste Officer - Douglas Shire Council
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 7-8 August - AWA NQ Conference, Cairns
- 12-15 May – qldwater Water Connections Tour
- 20-21 August – qldwater Annual Forum, Eagle Farm, Brisbane
- 10-12 September - WSAA Wastewater Source Management Network Meeting, qldwater offices, Eagle Farm, Brisbane
- 29-30 October – WIOA Queensland Conference and Exhibition, Bundaberg