eFlash #638 New
Date: 05-Nov-2025
In this edition: Announcing our 2025 Award Winners | Essentials Webinar: Asset Criticality | Fundamentals Webinar: Pumps and Electricity Tariffs | qldwater End of Year Drinks | Special Webinar: PFAS in the US | Updated ERA 63 Model Operating Conditions | BuildSkills Australia Virtual Consultation Events | Minor Amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 | Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) | Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy
New / Hot Topics
Announcing our 2025 Award Winners!
qldwater is proud to recognise outstanding individuals in the water industry through the Operator of the Year Awards, celebrating those who go above and beyond in service, innovation, and leadership. It is with great pleasure that we announce the winners of the 2025 Awards announced at the WIOA QLD Conference on Thursday, 30 November.
The 2025 Operator of the Year (Civil / Allrounder) Award goes to Wayne Siganto from Mareeba Shire Council.
With over 30 years of service, Wayne has been a pillar of excellence in water and wastewater operations. From mentoring new operators to leading emergency responses, like his swift action during Cyclone Jasper, Wayne exemplifies calm leadership, technical skill, and community spirit. His work across six treatment plants and his role in major upgrades have earned him deep respect across the industry.
Wayne receives a perpetual trophy for his council, a personal trophy, and $1,500 toward professional development. Congratulations, Wayne!
The Young Operator of the Year is Matt Gosper from Mackay Regional Council. Matt began his career as a Water Industry Worker Trainee and quickly rose through the ranks, now serving as a Water Treatment Operator at the Sarina Water Recycling Facility. His contributions span plant optimisation, safety initiatives, and leadership roles - all while actively volunteering in his local community and pursuing further studies in business and leadership.
Matt receives $1,500 toward professional development and will join the WIOA delegation on the next New Zealand tour. Congratulations, Matt!
Essentials Webinar: Asset Criticality
Join us at 10am on Wednesday, 26 November for our next Essentials Webinar focused on Asset Criticality where Moira Zeilinga from Clear Idea will present practical tools and insights developed through a collaborative research project between qldwater and Mackay, Whitsunday, and Fraser Coast Regional Councils.
This initiative led to the creation of the Statewide Network Asset Criticality Guideline, a consistent and scalable framework designed to help Queensland Water Service Providers identify critical assets, assign criticality ratings, and improve risk management—especially beneficial for smaller and remote Councils.
Moira will share her extensive industry experience and lessons learned from applying the tools in real-world settings.
Fundamentals Webinar: Pumps and Electricity Tariffs
Join us for a practical and insightful Fundamentals Webinar on Friday 21 November designed specifically for water operators and managers looking to reduce energy costs and improve pump performance without breaking the budget.
Andrew Chamberlin, a regional energy specialist with deep experience helping Queensland communities and businesses cut energy costs and improve reliability, will explore what you can do at no cost or low cost to make a real impact, including:
- Understanding electricity tariffs and how to make them work for you
- Adjusting operations to align with tariff structures and reduce peak charges
- Improving motor and pump efficiency with simple checks and tweaks
Andrew will also discuss when a more detailed infrastructure assessment may be needed to unlock further savings and performance gains.
Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to optimise your operations.
qldwater End of Year Drinks
A reminder that qldwater’s End of Year Event is on Wednesday 19 November at Parliament House, Brisbane.
Please join us to celebrate the achievements of the sector this year and network with friends.
Minister Ann Leahy and Assistant Minister Sean Dillon have confirmed their attendance.
Special Webinar: PFAS in the US
A recording of the special webinar featuring Carol Walczyk, Director of the Municipal Water segment of Veolia's corporate Business Support & Performance group is now available on our website (members only). In this presentation, Carol provides an overview of PFAS legislation in the US and the lessons learnt from 100 new water treatment plants in 10 years. Carol 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. She also explains how technologies are moving forward to treat biosolids.
OTHER NEWS
Updated ERA 63 Model Operating Conditions
In August, following members concerns, qldwater wrote to DETSI regarding the outdated version of the Model Conditions for ERA 63 Sewage Treatment on the Business Queensland site.
The Department were basing new approvals for ERA63 Environmental Authorities on (invisible) Model Conditions that are significantly different to the Model Conditions publicly available on the website which was causing confusion and uncertainty.
We requested that the current Model Conditions for ERA63 were made publicly available on the Business Queensland website and requested the immediate removal the outdated Model Conditions to prevent further problems.
DETSI came to the party immediately and the document is available from the links above.
BuildSkills Australia Virtual Consultation Events
BuildSkills Australia is hosting a series of virtual consultation sessions to gather feedback on drafted training products as they enter Step 2- Public and government consultation for the following projects:
- Migrant Plumbers
- Hydrogen Skill Needs in the Plumbing and Gas Industry
- Civil Construction Review
Each project consultation will be offered twice to allow flexibility. Both sessions will cover the same content, so you only need to attend one. Please check the registration page for your local time zone and event details.
10 November 2025
11 November 2025
12 November 2025
- 11am to 12pm AEST Civil Construction Review – Register
- 1pm to 2pm AEST Hydrogen Skills Needs – Register
Other training packages
BuildSkills is also inviting feedback on proposed changes to other training products, including Utility Locating. Safe operation around underground infrastructure, such as power, water, gas, and telecommunications is critical to protecting workers, the environment, and the community, so take a look and provide your feedback to training@buildskills.com.au.
Minor amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994
The Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (NCOLA Act 2025) received assent on 4 September 2025. This Act includes amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to:
- Clarify that compliance and enforcement orders and notices issued prior to the passage of the Environmental Protection (Powers and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 are enforceable through the issuing of a penalty infringement notice as an alternate to a court proceeding. These amendments commenced on 4 September 2025.
- Provide a clear head of power and framework for the continued use of an electronic system to automatically issue and deal with particular low-risk authorities and to confirm that all authorities automatically issued prior to commencement are valid. These amendments commence on 2 October 2025.
These clarifying amendments provide certainty around enforcement powers and options for all state and local government agencies that regulate environmentally relevant activities and help prevent matters from escalating to court unnecessarily.
Existing Environmental Authority (EA) permit holders are in no way affected by these changes. These administrative updates are designed to ensure continuity and certainty for the operators and businesses that depend on receiving timely approval of these types of EAs. All EAs remain valid and there are no changes to the application process or decision-making criteria.
For more information visit the Queensland Parliament website.
CURRENT CONSULTATIONS
On October 30, Bills were introduced into the House of Representatives to reform the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), create a National Environment Protection Agency and establish a charges and cost recovery framework.
In total, seven Bills have been introduced as part of the government’s reform package, with the three key reform Bills being:
- Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025
- National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025
- Environment Information Australia Bill 2025
Public consultation is now open on this reform package until 5 December 2025, with the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee to report by 24 March 2026.
Find the inquiry page for more details about how to make a submission here.
qldwater will be making a submission given the significance of the proposals and their failure to address all the concerns and limitations raised by the sector in the qldwater election manifesto.
Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy
The Queensland and Commonwealth Governments are seeking feedback on the draft Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy, now open for public consultation.
Built on the latest science, including the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement, the strategy highlights the critical role of water quality in reef catchment areas for the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. It aims to support recovery from coral bleaching and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, while strengthening the connection between healthy landscapes and a thriving reef ecosystem.
The draft outlines a renewed approach to creating productive, resilient landscapes that benefit Queensland’s environment, economy, and people.
qldwater will be making a submission – please get in touch with Louise or Georgina to add your voice to our submission or have your say before 19 November 2025.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Fraser Coast Regional Council
Fraser Coast Regional Council is seeking a qualified and experienced Plumber/Drainer to join the Water and Waste Services team. This role focuses on the installation, maintenance, and repair of water supply and wastewater infrastructure, including mains, service connections, valves, hydrants, and sewer systems. You’ll respond to emergency plumbing issues, rehabilitate sewer networks. Duties also include trench preparation, asset installation, and guiding apprentices and trainees on-site.
Success in this role requires a Cert III in Plumbing/Draining, relevant licenses, and demonstrated experience in water/wastewater construction and maintenance. You’ll also need sound communication skills, problem-solving ability, and proficiency in digital tools. Additional requirements include current immunisations, a White Card, and an MR Licence (or willingness to obtain within 3 months). Join us in delivering essential services to your community.
Apply now – applications close 17 November 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
Cairns Regional Council
CRC is seeking qualified plumbers who are ready to contribute to the future of water services across the region. They are hiring across several roles including:
- Water Reticulation Plumbers: Play a vital role in maintaining and improving the 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.