eFlash #646 New
Date: 11-Feb-2026
In this edition: qldwater Environment Forum | Skills Forum | AWA QLD Industry Breakfast | THMs in Queensland Drinking Water: Research Outcomes | Careers in Water Fact Sheet and more...
qldwater Environment Forum
Tickets for the Environment Forum on 26 February are almost sold out! If you've been meaning to register for the Environment Forum, now's the time. Join us for a guided lunchtime walk along the Tallowwood Trail at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.
The walk will be led Cath Kelleher, Senior Advisor, Communication, Education and Events at Redland City Council. With over a decade of experience at IndigiScapes, Cath brings a deep passion for connecting people with the natural environment through environmental education.
This relaxed lunchtime stroll offers a chance to step outside, recharge, and learn more about the local landscape. Highlights include the ancient tallowwood tree and a viewing platform overlooking Coolnwynpin Creek — home to a fascinating range of native flora and fauna.
A perfect way to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature during a full day of discussion.
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?
Talei Ligairi, Head of Governance and HR at Water Authority of Fiji, will share the story behind the development and continued refinement of Fiji’s apprenticeship framework. Rather than adopting a model off the shelf, Fiji has deliberately shaped and reshaped its approach over time in response to operational realities, workforce pressures, and the challenge of delivering services across island communities.
This session goes beyond structure. It explores why Fiji chose the apprenticeship pathway, what has been adjusted along the way, and what lessons small and regional utilities can draw from a system that has been tested, refined, and strengthened in practice. For councils and utilities navigating workforce capability, funding constraints, and regional service delivery, this is a perspective that will resonate.
QLD Industry Breakfast
On Tuesday our Water Skills Partnership Manager Sarah Henry participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion at the Australian Water Association QLD Industry Breakfast, delving into the topic “Fix the Mix: People, Pipes and Possibilities”.
Sarah was joined by Deputy-Director-General Water Resource Management, Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond, and Major Contractors Association CEO Andrew Chapman. A big shout out to Janice A. Wilson who did a great job facilitating a spicy panel!
Sarah's message was clear: protecting ageing assets starts with protecting workforce capability.
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.
Careers in Water Fact Sheet
Our Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor, Cass, has been working closely with our colleagues at AWA to produce a single, easy to use resource that helps water sector workers and employers navigate study options and career pathways.
Over several months, Cass collaborated with Industry Reference Group members and employers from across Queensland’s water and urban water sectors to understand the skills and qualifications their teams currently hold—and what capabilities they’ll be seeking into the future. Combined with AWA’s insights into what workers look for when making study or career decisions, this work has resulted in a concise two page fact sheet designed to support both employers and current or aspiring water industry professionals.
We look forward to seeing this resource shared throughout your workplaces - informing L&D discussions, guiding professional development, and inspiring students and jobseekers at schools and careers events.
Essentials Webinar: Human-Centred Systems Design
A recording of the Essentials Webinar on Human-Centred Systems Design is now available on our website.
Hosted in partnership with Thriving Communities Australia (TCA) whose cross-sector work, including the Safety by Design partnership, has revealed how water systems can cause unintentional harm or be deliberately weaponised through billing, debt, privacy breeches, and account controls. In this webinar, Ciara Sterling provides a high-level overview of what water organisations need to know about the risks, emerging expectations and how more preventative, human-centred system design can strengthen safety, trust and customer outcomes.
WIOA QLD Interest Days
WIOA is hosting two Interest Days in Queensland. The first on Wednesday 8 April 2026 at the Kirra Hill Community Centre, followed by an exclusive afternoon tour of the Gold Coast Desalination Plant.
On Thursday, 23 April they’ll be in Gympie with a program featuring practical presentations showcasing lessons learnt, project insights, and operational outcomes, complemented by networking with Putt Putt for on-the-ground knowledge sharing.
IPWEA-QNT Disaster Recovery Forum – Abstracts Open
Abstract submissions are now open for the IPWEA-QNT 2026 Disaster Recovery Forum to be held on 19 May on the Gold Coast with the theme “Prepare, Respond, and Rebuild Stronger”. This is your opportunity to share lessons, innovations, and frontline experiences in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Showcase your work, contribute to sector resilience, and connect with peers shaping how Queensland rebuilds stronger after extreme events.
CURRENT CONSULTATIONS
Have your say on the Basin Plan Review
The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is inviting submissions that will help shape water management through recommendations for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
Consultation is open until 1 May 2026, asking for feedback on:
- The issues and options presented in the Discussion Paper
- Any other issues and options they should consider
- What you see as priorities, and why.
Watch the webinarfor more information on the paper and submissions process or read the submissions guidelines.
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.
Queensland's Feral Pig Management Action Plan
Queensland’s draft Feral Pig Management Action Plan 2026–2031 is open for comment. Feral pigs are a widespread invasive species that cause significant damage to Queensland’s environment and agriculture. In 2023, their impact contributed to an estimated $95 million in production losses and control costs to landholders. Pigs directly damage waterways, infrastructure such as fencing and negatively impact catchments resulting in lowered water quality.
The Feral Pig Management Action Plan aims to tackle the challenges posed by feral pigs. It provides best practice guidance to inform regional on-the-ground action, while ensuring a consistent and effective approach to feral pig management across the state.
Consultation closes 5pm, Thursday 12 March 2026.
Please contact Georgina is you have feedback for qldwater's submission.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 26 Feb - Environment Forum, Indigiscapes Centre, Capalaba
- 27 Feb - SPG Meeting
- 5 March - Essentials Webinar: THMs in Queensland Drinking Water
- 18 March - Pre-Forum Drinks at BlackBird Brisbane
- 19 March - Skills Forum, qldwater office, Eagle Farm
- 22-23 July - Wastewater Quality and Trade Waste Workshop
- 19-20 August - qldwater Annual Forum, Eagle Farm