eFlash #645

eFlash #645 New

Date: 11-Feb-2026

Essentials Webinar: Human-Centred System Design

Last chance to register for our first Essentials Webinar for 2026 at 10am on Thursday, 12 February for an important conversation about safety, trust and customer outcomes in the water sector.

Hosted in partnership with Thriving Communities Australia (TCA), this webinar will provide a high level overview of the way systems can be unintentionally harmful or weaponised and how human centred, preventative design can strengthen safety, trust and customer experiences.

If you work in the water sector, customer service, digital systems, billing, policy or community engagement, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

More info and register here.

QLD Industry Breakfast

Only one week to go to the AWA QLD Industry Breakfast on Tuesday, 17 February where Water Skills Partnership Manager Sarah Henry will join the Deputy-Director-General Water Resource Management, Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond and Major Contractors Association CEO Andrew Chapman in a panel discussion facilitated by Mal Shepherd, Chief Development Officer Infrastructure Development and Delivery at Sunwater to discuss workforce development, ageing infrastructure, diverse water resources and economic sustainability.

More info and register here.

qldwater Environment Forum

At the upcoming qldwater Environment Forum on 26th February 2026, Mark Waud, Portfolio Manager at Healthy Land & Water, will present “A New Nutrient Trading System”.

As pressures on Queensland’s waterways grow, nutrient trading is emerging as a practical tool to improve catchment health. By creating a market based approach to reducing nutrient loads, trading systems can help align environmental goals with economic reality—enabling flexible, cost effective pathways for both regulators and water service providers.

In this session, Mark will explore how nutrient trading can be designed to move beyond theory and into practice, supporting better outcomes for waterways and catchments while balancing environmental, regulatory and operational realities. He'll unpack the opportunities, challenges and practical considerations of emerging nutrient trading systems, and what they could mean for water services and catchment management in Queensland.

More info and register here.

THMs in Queensland Drinking Water: Research Outcomes

Join us at 10am, Thursday 5 March for a webinar outlining new research on how trihalomethane (THM) exposure in household drinking water may affect pregnancy outcomes in Queensland.

Conducted by the University of Queensland’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, in partnership with Queensland Health and water utilities, the study examines THM exceedances, management challenges, and links to adverse birth outcomes.

Presenters: Professor Abdullah Mamun, Dr Edmund Kanmiki and Dr Md. Mehedi Hasan.

Water Skills Forum

Registrations are now open for the Water Skills Forum on Thursday, 19 March at the qldwater offices in Eagle Farm. Tickets include an opening networking event at Blackbird Bar Terrace Room from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday, 18 March. Take the City Cat to the venue to enjoy the river view at night!

The Water Skills Forum 2026 brings together leaders, operators, trainers, regulators and industry partners to explore one critical question:

Are the training decisions we’re making today strong enough to sustain the water workforce of tomorrow?

With speakers drawn from across water, agriculture, energy, renewables and other high-risk industries, the forum will focus on real-world experience, honest lessons, and practical insights particularly relevant to regional and remote communities. The program is designed to support informed discussion, challenge assumptions, and help shape practical approaches to workforce capability, training pathways and long-term sustainability for our sector.

More info and register here.

QWRAP Update

For more than a decade, QWRAP has been strengthening the capability, resilience and sustainability of water and sewerage services across regional and remote Queensland.

Our latest blog reflects on QWRAP’s evolution from an industry led alternative to structural reform into a powerful model of voluntary, regional collaboration — now supporting almost 60 councils across nine regions.

As we head into 2026, the momentum continues to build. From regional asset management programs and joint DWQMP audits to shared procurement and capability building initiatives, councils are working together to deliver smarter, more sustainable water services for their communities.

Read the blog here.

Latest qldwater Submissions

Our submission to Queensland Treasury's call for feedback on the 2026-27 Queensland Budget proposes a Community Service Obligation (CSO) for water services to fund CAPEX and OPEX, and the establishment of a new funding scheme to provide financial coverage for the high travel and accommodation costs associated with training for remote and regional urban water personnel.

We also highlight that, despite being a critical sector, the TAFE Training Centres for Excellence Program does not cover our sector, thereby limiting our ability to participate in VET in Schools and other initiatives.

Further funding for programs like DWQMP support, a bore re-sleeving program, sewer relining program, asset condition assessments and testing instruments are also needed.

All qldwater submissions are available on our website.

Ofwat (UK) Climate Change Principles for Water Businesses

Last week, Ofwat’s published its climate change principles, setting out a framework to guide how water companies respond to the growing challenges of climate change.

Developed through extensive engagement with companies, regulators, and wider stakeholders, the principles recognise that companies face different risks and starting points. A principles-based approach enables tailored, effective action, while promoting high standards, consistency, and transparency across the sector. Crucially, the principles build on existing progress to reduce emissions, adapt to climate risks, and strengthen resilience—encouraging good practice, innovation, and resource efficiency.

Responding to climate change is not only a technical challenge; it also requires changes in decision-making and ways of working. Reflecting action driven by care, integrity, and foresight, the principles support aligned pathways, integrated mitigation and adaptation, circular economy approaches, robust monitoring and reporting, research and innovation, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Download the principles here.

CURRENT CONSULTATIONS

Queensland’s Science and Innovation Strategy

The Department of the Environment, Technology, Science and Innovation is developing a science and innovation strategy to create jobs, boost our regions and industries, attract investment and solve challenges. They are looking for input from industry, universities, researchers and the community to shape the strategy.

Consultation is open on theIdeas to impact: Accelerating science and innovation for a better future discussion paper.

Consultation is open until 31 March 2026.

More info here.

Determinants of Regional Airfares

The Productivity Commission (PC) has been asked to examine the determinants of regional airfares. The inquiry will consider how to support a competitive, reliable and affordable aviation network for passenger flights outside Australia’s major cities.

The call for submissions outlines the focus of the study and identifies a range of issues on which the PC seeks information and feedback. Submissions are due by Sunday, 15 March 2026.

Given the importance of airfares on our regional members, qldwater will be making a submission. If you would like to contribute to our submission, please contact Georgina.

More info here.