eFlash #633

eFlash #633 New

Date: 29-Aug-2025

New / Hot Topics

Annual Forum Wrap

The 2025 qldwater Annual Forum, held on 20–21 August, brought together over 100 water industry professionals for two days of insightful discussion, collaboration, and celebration. Hosted at the qldwater offices in Eagle Farm, the event opened with a keynote from Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond, Deputy Director General, Water Resource Management, who outlined the Department’s evolving role in supporting the sector.

Highlights included Matt Bradbury’s thought-provoking take on water economics and funding reform, and a powerful session on psychosocial safety led by Naomi Kemp, Rick Fox and Cameron Dean, spotlighting the real-world impacts of mental health risks in the workplace.

Technical sessions explored risk-proportionate regulation, source control challenges, and climate resilience. Presenters like Dr Louise Reeves, Duncan Middleton, and Dr John Vitkovsky shared research and strategies on contaminants, flood response, and climate-informed decision-making.

Innovative funding models were also in focus, with Dr Goslik Schepers and Katrina Donaghy showcasing how eco-markets and smart water exchanges could unlock new investment pathways for environmental outcomes.

The forum concluded with three technical tours, giving attendees a closer look at operational excellence across a variety of sites.

Links to the presentations will be available soon.

Photos of the event is available here.

A huge thank you to our event sponsors AECOM, Arup, McCullough Robertson, TRILITY, TracWater, Colliers, Simmonds & Bristow Pty Ltd and GBA Consulting Engineers.

Industry Contribution Awards

At the Awards Dinner we proudly recognised two outstanding individuals whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen Queensland’s urban water and sewerage sector.

The Government Stakeholder Contribution Award was awarded to Chris Blake from Queensland Health. Chris has led the transformative Safe and Healthy Drinking Water Program, a sector-leading initiative ensuring Queensland’s First Nations Communities have access to safe drinking water. His culturally respectful partnerships with Operators and community leaders have delivered hands-on technical support, training, and guidance to 17 First Nations communities. Chris’s work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and deep commitment to public health and equity.

The Industry Recognition Award was awarded to Trevor Seth from TJS Consulting. With over 46 years in the water and wastewater industry, Trevor’s journey from tradesman to senior leadership across multiple councils is a testament to his dedication and expertise. After serving as Manager, Water and Sewerage at Goondiwindi Regional Council until 2024, Trevor now supports regional, remote, and rural councils through TJS Consulting. His legacy is one of mentorship, operational excellence, and unwavering service to the sector.

Gympie Water Crowned Top Drop

Gympie Regional Council has claimed victory in the prestigious 2025 Tracwater Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test, held as part of the Annual Forum last week.

The competition, which celebrates excellence in water quality and taste across the state, saw over 60 water industry representatives sip and savour water samples in a rigorous blind tasting event. Gympie’s Cooloola/Tin Can Bay scheme emerged as the winner, impressing judges with its exceptional clarity, freshness, and overall taste.

The award-winning water is sourced from Teewah Creek nestled within the Great Sandy National Park and undergoes conventional treatment with pH adjustments, coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This pristine waterway benefits from high rainfall and natural filtration through sand and sedimentary rock, contributing to its outstanding purity.

Celebrating Emerging Leaders in Water

We were proud to announce the 2025 Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipients at the qldwater Annual Forum, sponsored by Arup. Congratulations to:

Cameron Powell – Graduate Engineer, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
Nathan Simm – Operations Engineer, Townsville City Council

Cameron and Nathan are already making a big impact in the sector, showing leadership, resilience, and a passion for community-focused water solutions. We’re excited to support their journey and future contributions to Queensland’s water industry.

Staff Changes

This week we bid a fond farewell to QWRAP Program Director David Wiskar, who has accepted the role of CEO at Barcoo Shire Council. David has been an invaluable part of the qldwater team, bringing deep sector knowledge, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration. His leadership will be greatly missed, and we wish him every success in his new role.

We’re equally excited to welcome back Neil Holmes, former Water Skills Partnership Manager, who will be stepping into the QWRAP Program Director role. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong connection to the sector. He will return to Australia in early October, and in the interim, Georgina Davis will represent qldwater at QWRAP meetings.

Water Supply Regulation Update

The Water Supply Regulation team will be hosting two workshops in Brisbane and Longreach:

Brisbane Workshop – 9 September
Register by COB 3 Sept to attend in-person or via TEAMS: Register here.
Longreach Workshop – 11 November
Details coming soon. Interested in presenting? Contact your WSR officer.

Key Deadlines

Water Service Provider Registration review due 26 Aug
QG KPIs (SWIM Annual Data) due 1 Oct
DWQMP Annual Reports due 17 Dec
NPR reporting required for all providers this year

Stay informed and subscribe to Water Supply Regulation e-Alerts at drinkingwater.reporting@rdmw.qld.gov.au.

IPWEA Australasia Excellence Awards

Great to see so many Queensland winners across all award categories announced at the IPWEA Excellence Awards including:

Best Public Works Project $2 to $5 million: Townsville City Council’s Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation and Circular Economy Project
Excellence in Asset Management: Bundaberg Regional Council’s Washpool Creek Naturalisation Stages 1 and 2
Excellence in Water Project: City of Moreton Bay’s Utility Scale Battery linked to the Renewable Energy Generator at Bunya Landfill
Public Works Leader of the Year: Blaise Shann from Toowoomba Regional Council
Young IPWEA Australasia Emerging Leader Award: Sean Robinson from Isaac Regional Council

CURRENT VACANCIES

Toowoomba Regional Council

Water Reclamation Facility Operator

Permanent full-time position based near Toowoomba, the Water Reclamation Facility Operator will undertake the operational activities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Wetalla Water & Reclamation Plant, Wetalla Advanced Water Treatment Plant and Toowoomba Service Centre wastewater pumping stations in accordance with Council Environmental Authority. You’ll need a Certificate III in Wastewater Operations, qualifications in Biological Nutrient Removal processes, Forklift Licence, Confined Space Entry Certificate and Senior First Aid Certificate (or ability to attain all within 6 months).

For further details and how to apply Water Reclamation Facility Operator | Toowoomba Regional Council. Applications Close Tuesday 16 September 2025 11.45pm.

Assistant Water and Wastewater Operator

Permanent full-time position based in Clifton, the Assistant Water and Wastewater Operator will assist in monitoring, controlling and operating Toowoomba Regional Council’s various Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, bores, reservoirs and pumping stations to maintain a safe and reliable water supply. You’ll need Certificate III Water Industry Operations (or willingness to attain within 24 months), White Card, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus attainment, Confined Space Entry Certificate, Forklift Licence and Senior First Aid Certificate (or attainment within 6 months).

For further details and how to apply Assistant Water and Wastewater Operator | Toowoomba Regional Council. Applications Close Tuesday 9 September 2025 11.45pm.

Cairns Regional Council

Labourer – Wastewater Reticulation

Looking for a hands-on role where you can make a lasting impact on your community every day? Cairns Regional Council has an exciting opportunity to join their team and help keep their wastewater operations running smoothly!

You’ll be part of our Wastewater services unit, working with a small crew in the delivery of safe, efficient, and customer-focused maintenance of Council’s sewer reticulation network. You’ll play a hands-on role in daily operations while assisting with responding to customer enquiries and ensuring assets are maintained to a high standard. You'll also provide valuable input to supervisory staff on any repairs or improvements needed across the network.

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.

Application Close Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025 at 11.30pm AEST