eFlash #630

eFlash #630 New

Date: 25-Jul-2025

New / Hot Topics

Annual Forum – earlybird discounts end today!

Tickets to the qldwater Annual Forum on 20 to 21 August is selling fast and the earlybird discounts end today, so if you haven’t registered yet, do it today!

With sessions focused on managing psychosocial risks, a model of risk proportionate regulation and the imperative for change, this is an event not to be missed.

Technical tour 1 of the Logan Water Biosolids Gasification Facility has sold out, but limited spaces are available to see an Oleology advanced water treatment technology that removes PFAS and Rino Recycling, or a half day tour of BOC’s Bulwer Island renewable hydrogen production.

A big shout out to our sponsors AECOM, ARUP, McCullough Robertson Lawyers, Colliers, TRILITY, Tracwater, Simmonds & Bristow and GBA Consulting Engineers.

More info and register here.

Essentials Webinar: ADWG for PFAS Substances

Join us on Thursday, 31 July from 10 – 11am to hear insights from the drinking water regulator following the release of the final PFAS guideline values in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The webinar will walk through the revised health-based values for PFAS chemicals in drinking water and the compliance expectations for water service providers ahead of their next Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (DWQMP) reviews.

This session is essential for anyone involved in water safety and management, and the development and delivery of Drinking Water Management Plans.

Water Training Website

Our Water Training website has a new look to incorporate separate dashboards for our partner organisations, the NSW Water Directorate and the SA Department of Energy and Mining.

The NSW Water Directorate this week launched two new courses on the platform:

The Work Safe Card aims to improve safety awareness for operators of local water utilities including risk management and the 16 water industry life saving rules.
A WHS Awareness Module for Leaders aimed at Managers and Supervisors to provide an overview of the elements of the WHS Framework to be better placed to achieve a safe work environment.

qldwater will modify the course content for a Queensland audience to provide these offerings to our members too.

We have also started to do a refresh of all our Card courses to ensure our learning materials remain up to date and accessible to all learners, so if you have any feedback that you’d like to see incorporated into the Aqua, Brown, Green, Teal and Grey Cards, email us at skills@qldwater.com.au.

Showcasing Water Careers at the Western Downs Careers Expo

Our Water Skills Partnership Manager, Sarah Henry, had the opportunity to attend the Western Downs Careers Expo this week, supporting Western Downs Regional Council in promoting careers within their Water Utilities division. It was a great chance to speak with students about the important role Water Industry Operators play in keeping our communities running.

We handed out qldwater’s Water Industry Operator flyers alongside Western Downs Regional Council’s current vacancy listings and work experience request forms (not to mention blue lollypops). This practical approach was a standout—giving school leavers a direct pathway to learn more about the industry and potentially step into a career in local government.

Well done to WDRC for their proactive approach. Fingers crossed we see a wave of new interest in these vital roles!

Water Regulation Workshop

The Water Supply Regulation team will be conducting a Water Regulation workshop in Brisbane and via TEAMS on Tuesday 9th September.

The agenda includes presentations by Water Supply Regulation over a range of topics including the Drinking Water Quality Management Plan, annual reporting and KPIs. Queensland Health and service providers will also deliver presentations about relevant operational issues which includes PFAS and responses to disaster events.

This event will be conducted face to face and via TEAMS so please indicate your preference in the registration form for catering requirements. Some of the qldwater Team will be there – please say hello.

Flood Recovery Funding

The Federal and Queensland Governments have announced three new flood recovery packages for North and Far North Queensland totalling more than $77 million. The packages are backed through the joint Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements and include a $3.12 million Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Recovery Program to help Charters Towers Regional Council repair damaged water and sewerage infrastructure, and safeguard local water supply against future disasters.

Current Consultations

Water Improvement Standard Open for Consultation

Eco-Markets Australia has launched a public consultation process on the proposed Australasian Catchment Water Improvement Standard (ACWIS).

ACWIS is a new voluntary water quality improvement credit framework designed to support investment in programs that address water quality challenges across Australasia, including for instance pollution reduction and catchment restoration.

Based on the success and experience gained from administering the world recognised Reef Credit Scheme, Eco-Markets Australia has developed the Australasian Catchment Water Improvement Standard (ACWIS) and is now seeking public review and comment before it is launched later this year.

ACWIS builds on the Reef Credits program, expanding beyond the Great Barrier Reef catchment, making the framework applicable throughout Australia, New Zealand and potentially beyond. Eco-Markets is committed to developing investable water quality improvement markets across broader catchments, with ACWIS at its core.

Eco-Markets are seeking feedback on the draft Standard, which outlines the rules and requirements for generating water improvement credits in various catchment settings.

The consultation runs from 18 July to 18 August 2025.

Go to https://eco-markets.org.au/consultation/ for the documents.

Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work

Biological hazards, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and some types of fungi (like mould), can be found across all industries and workplaces. Workers may be at risk of exposure to a biological hazard if they have close contact with:

other people
animals
contaminated or organic materials, and
environments with mosquitoes, ticks and mites.

Safe Work Australia is developing a model Code of Practice (model Code) which provides practical guidance for employers on how to manage the risks of biological hazards at work.

The draft model Code is broad in nature and intended to apply to all workplaces where there is a risk to workers or others of exposure to biological hazards.

The draft model Code has been developed with the support of Safe Work Australia Members and other subject matter experts. To support further development, SWA are seeking a wide range of views on the draft model Code through public consultation. Responses from the consultation will be used to further refine the draft Code to ensure:

the format and detail included provides an appropriate level of guidance, and
it is broadly applicable across all industries.

Safe Work Australia welcomes submissions from all interested stakeholders, including duty holders, regulators, government agencies, unions, workers, legal professionals, researchers, employer representatives, employers, members of the public and other parties.

Responses close 11:59pm on Thursday 4 September 2025.

Visit the Consultation Hub for more information and to have your say.

Tender for Regional Jobs Committee Program Now Open

The Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) has released a public tender process for 12 committees under the Regional Jobs Committees program 2025-27. The tender is now open.

Key dates:

Applications open Friday 18 July and will close at 5pm Friday 15 August 2025
Offer to be sent out to successful provider in September 2025
Contract delivery period 1 October 2025 – 30 June 2027.

More information on the tender is available on the Regional Jobs Committees webpage.

Should you have any queries in relation to the upcoming tender process, please do not hesitate to contact the RJC team at RJC@desbt.qld.gov.au.

Current Vacancies

Cairns Regional Council has a couple of vacancies:

Operator - Water Treatment

As a Water Treatment Operator with Cairns Regional Council, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of something significant: the commissioning and operation of our new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant in Gordonvale.

In this role you will operate, monitor, and maintain water treatment facilities in line with safety and compliance standards, conduct laboratory testing and analyse data to maintain optimal water quality, troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues with treatment systems and equipment and collaborate with a skilled and supportive team to innovate and improve processes.

Process Engineer Wastewater

Cairns Regional Council is looking for a driven and visionary Process Engineer who’s ready to lead change, optimise systems, and help us deliver sustainable solutions that protect our pristine environment.

Applications Close 17 August 2025.

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.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has several vacancies including:

Electrical/Instrument Technician

FCRC is looking for an experienced Electrical/Instrument Technician to join their team maintaining water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and related infrastructure. In this hands-on role, you’ll support safe, reliable operations by carrying out inspections, diagnostics, and maintenance, while working closely with the Principal Electrician and team. You’ll need a Cert III electrical trade qualification, computer literacy, and a solid understanding of telemetry systems. A White Card, driver’s licence, and required immunisations are essential. Additional instrumentation qualifications, EEHA certification, or water industry experience are a bonus.

Senior Electrician

We’re seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Electrician to lead electrical maintenance across water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and related infrastructure. This role combines hands-on electrical work with project coordination, supervision, and support of capital works—ensuring systems run safely, efficiently, and reliably. To succeed, you’ll need trade qualifications in both electrical and instrumentation (Cert III or above), a White Card, driver’s licence, and relevant immunisations. You’ll bring strong technical knowledge, leadership experience, and a proactive approach to maintenance planning and project delivery.

Ready to step into a key role? Apply now – applications close Wednesday 6 August 2025

For more information, please contact the recruitment team at email recruitment@frasercoast.qld.gov.au. To apply please visit Current Vacancies – Fraser Coast Regional Council