eFlash #635

eFlash #635 New

Date: 24-Sep-2025

New / Hot Topics

Annual Forum

The recordings of all Annual Forum presentations are now available on the qldwater website (members only zone). Non-member attendees have been granted access too – please email enquiry@qldwater.com.au if you have problems accessing the page.

Spring Reminder: HAB Toolkit Available for Drinking Water Providers

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Queensland’s water sources. This is a reminder that water service providers can access the HAB Toolkit which includes a generic HAB Action Plan developed by Queensland Health following a multi-agency workshop in November 2023. This plan is designed specifically for drinking water service providers whose approved Drinking Water Quality Management Plan does not include HAB management.

With increasing reports of HABs, especially affecting providers with limited experience, this resource offers practical guidance to help manage, report and treat blooms. It also helps interpret the more complex advice found in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).

Stay prepared this spring and ensure your team knows what actions to take.

Wellness Webinars

A recording of the last week’s Essentials Webinar on Self-regulation for coping with stress and building resilience is now available on the qldwater website. This was the third in a series of Wellness Webinars presented by Belinda Chapman.

In Webinar 1, Belinda provides practical tools and tips to improve your wellbeing, build personal resilience and avoid burnout.
Webinar 2 explores the transformative power of self-awareness in managing stress and building personal resilience. Tailored for professionals in the water sector, the session offers practical tools and reflection techniques to help participants identify emotional triggers, enhance emotional clarity, and navigate daily pressures with confidence.
Webinar 3 explores the power of the mind-body connection and provides techniques for self-regulation including the circle of control and influence; increasing your emotional vocabulary; and mimicking nature by pulsing throughout the day. Learn in the moment techniques like a 6 second mindfulness pause, breathing exercises and the ability to manage thoughts through segmentation, reframing and perspective.

Carol Walczyk Talks PFAS Event

qldwater is delighted to offer our members an exclusive opportunity to attend a presentation and Q&A session with international expert in PFAS treatment, Carol Walczyk.

Carol is the Director of Municipal Water in Veolia‘s corporate Business Support & Performance group. She leads a team of senior technical experts supporting operations, driving innovation, spearheading growth initiatives, and facilitating business development for Veolia's global activities in drinking water, wastewater and reuse.

Carol will be presenting on two topics:

PFAS in the US - 100 new water treatment plants in 10 years - Lessons learnt
PFAS - How technologies are moving forward to treat biosolids.

This session is open exclusively to qldwater members. Registrations are available to attend in-person at our Eagle Farm offices or online.

OTHER NEWS

Industrial Trade Waste Specialist Network Members Circle

The AWA specialist network will be hosting an online Members Circle event on Thursday, 2 October from 12.00 to 1.00pm with the topic: Emerging Contaminants, Evolving Regulation and the Implications for Trade Waste Management. This interactive session will bring together leading experts from the water industry, consulting, and research sectors to examine the challenges and innovations shaping trade waste management in response to emerging contaminants and regulatory change.

New Emissions Targets

Last week the Prime Minister announced Australia’s 2035 emissions target, the next step on the path to net zero by 2050. The government also released the Net Zero Plan, along with a series of supporting documents, which outline how these targets will be achieved.

The government has set a national target to reduce emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035. This target is a significant step up from the 2030 target and highlights the current political aspirations to manage the growing risks from climate impacts. The Australian Government’s national risk assessment outlines the worst risks that Australia faces, from extreme heat, to flooding and drought, into the future.

The announced 2035 target, Net Zero Plan and supporting 6 sector plans were informed by detailed economic modelling and analysis by the Australian Treasury.

All sectors must reduce emissions from current levels for Australia to reach net zero and the pathway for each sector will differ. Some sectors have tried and tested solutions that need coordinated action while others need innovation and investment.

It is worth noting that the urban water sector sits across two of the sector plans, with emissions from water infrastructure covered in the built environment sector plan (be it that they are understood to contribute a proportionally small amount to emissions); while emissions from wastewater treatment are covered under the Industry Sector Plan.

Updated Guidance on Managing Psychosocial Risks

Every Queensland business, regardless of size, has a responsibility under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) to create a workplace that’s both physically and psychologically safe.

To better support small businesses in managing the risk of psychosocial hazards, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has developed updated guidance that more accurately reflects the responsibilities of PCBUs under the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards Code of Practice 2022 and Sexual Harassment and Sex or Gender based harassment guidance.

Safe Work Australia new Datasets and Dashboards

Safe Work Australia has released a new hub and dashboards for the Beta Occupational Hazards Dataset (BOHD).

The BOHD introduced new experimental data about the nature of work undertaken in different occupations and explores the relative exposure of jobs to different types of hazards. The dashboards assist users to interact with this data and learn more about the issues that cause or may lead to work-related injuries and illnesses.

Explore the 3 new dashboards:

By hazard: See which occupations are most impacted by specific hazards.
By occupation: Discover the types of hazards associated with a particular job.
Chart customiser: Create tailored visualisations based on your interests.

CURRENT CONSULTATIONS

Review of WHS Laws

Work health and safety (WHS) ministers have asked Safe Work Australia to undertake a best practice review of the model WHS laws within the context of strengthening and maintaining harmonisation.

Safe Work Australia is inviting all those with an interest in WHS to participate and provide feedback through a formal consultation process. You can contribute to the review via a written submission in response to the discussion paper, by completing the survey on the Safe Work Australia Consultation Hub or by contacting SWA directly (via the bestpracticereview@swa.gov.au email address). In assessing proposals for change, Safe Work Australia Members and WHS ministers will consider whether they strengthen and maintain harmonisation, reflect best practice and support the object of the model WHS Act.

The formal consultation process closes at 5:00 pm on Monday 3 November 2025.

However, SWA will continue to meet with interested parties until the end of March 2026 and feedback can be provided using the best practice email address above until that date as well. A final report with the findings and recommendations from the Best Practice Review will be provided to WHS ministers in mid-2026.

CURRENT VACANCIES

Cairns Regional Council

Turn Your Plumbing Passion into Progress with Cairns Regional Council!

CRC is seeking qualified plumbers who are ready to contribute to the future of water services across the region. Enjoy genuine work-life balance, work alongside experienced and supportive colleagues, and take pride in the essential services you help deliver every day. This isn’t just a job — it’s a secure, long-term opportunity with a strong total employment package and excellent lifestyle benefits.

We’re hiring across several roles — whether you’re passionate about hands-on infrastructure or excited by cutting-edge tech, there’s a place for you in our team:

Water Reticulation Plumbers: Play a vital role in maintaining and improving our water network. You'll work closely with experienced Team Leaders to install, repair, and upgrade essential infrastructure that keeps Cairns running smoothly. (Permanent / Temporary Roles Available)

Smart Water Meter Plumbers: Join an innovative project that's shaping the future of water in Cairns! Help roll out advanced smart meters to homes and businesses, empowering residents to detect leaks early, reduce water waste, and better manage their usage. (Permanent Role Available)

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

FCRC is looking for a Wastewater Treatment Coordinator to oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of treatment plants, pump stations, and networks, driving innovation and continuous improvement. This role offers the chance to lead skilled teams, shape best-practice policies, and ensure environmental and community standards are met.

Please click here to view a full position description.

To apply, click here, or visit Current Vacancies – Fraser Coast Regional Council

Water Industry Plant Operator/Labourer

FCRC is looking for a reliable and experienced Water Industry Plant Operator/Labourer to assist in maintaining and constructing water and wastewater systems. The ideal candidate should be able to perform manual labour tasks, work safely in confined spaces, and have a strong commitment to workplace health and safety. Apply now – applications close Thursday 25 September 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

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