eFlash #665

eFlash #665 New

Date: 24-Jul-2026

Annual Forum 2026 – Register Now!

Join us at the qldwater 2026 Annual Forum: The Urgent Drop: The Case for Change which will take place on Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 August 2026 at the IPWEA-QNT Training Rooms in Eagle Farm, Brisbane.

The event includes a technical tour on Thursday, 20 August where participants can get an inside look at Queensland's water industry.

This year's tour visits Veolia's Northgate Depot for portable water treatment technology, the Southern Redland Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the adjoining Shoreline Project mangrove wetland.

Places are strictly limited and allocated first-come, first-served, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Earlybird registration discounts end Friday 31 July 2026.

Have your say: Statutory protections for Queensland wastewater treatment plants

The Queensland Government has commenced a review of the statutory protections available to wastewater treatment plants under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, with public consultation now open until 28 August 2026.

To help coordinate a strong, evidence-based response, qldwater will be leading consultation with members and will be hosting a dedicated session with DETSI from 2.30 – 3.30pm on 29 July.

This is an important opportunity for the urban water sector to provide evidence of the real-world impacts that known and emerging contaminants are having on water businesses. We encourage all members to think beyond PFAS and consider the broader challenges posed by contaminants entering wastewater systems, including the impacts on:

long-term planning and infrastructure investment
operational and compliance costs
environmental and regulatory risk
biosolids management and beneficial reuse
insurance, liability and future financial exposure.

The stronger our evidence, the stronger our advocacy. If your organisation has examples of how emerging contaminants are affecting your operations, planning, costs or risk management, we encourage you to participate in the consultation and share those experiences with qldwater.

Find more information about the consultation here.

Wastwater Quality and Trade Waste Workshop

This week qldwater hosted a Wastewater Quality and Trade Waste: Out of Sight, Top of Mind workshop, bringing together trade waste professionals from across Australia to explore practical solutions and emerging challenges in trade waste management.

Through a diverse range of case studies spanning small councils to major utilities, attendees gained valuable insights into the benefits of proactive trade waste management, including how Trade Waste Officer roles can become self-funded services that deliver significant value to water service providers.

A big thank you to our presenters: Sarah Hausler and Caitlin Steuart (McCullough Robertson Lawyers), Chantal Keane, Jeff Lee and Fiona Irwin (Urban Utilities), Sabrina McCormack (Douglas Shire Council), Georgina Wu (Redland City Council), Caleb Furner (Sydney Water) and Scott Neilsen (Townsville City Council) for generously sharing their knowledge and experience.

One of the workshop highlights was a lively panel discussion on the emerging topic of water cremation, where Paul Sandbek (Whitsunday Regional Council), Col Hester and Scott Neilsen tackled audience questions on the opportunities and challenges associated with this evolving practice.

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Veolia City Links facility on the Gold Coast to see Aerofloat’s landfill leachate treatment facility incorporating PFAS treatment.

Thank you to our event sponsors Simmonds & Bristow, Aerofloat, Adasa Systemas and the Water & Carbon Group for their support.

Presentation recordings will be available soon, so keep an eye on future eFlashes for details.

qldwater Polo Shirt Sponsorship

qldwater is offering a limited opportunity for organisations to showcase their brand on the official qldwater member polo shirts. Worn by qldwater members, staff and representatives at industry events, site visits, training activities, conferences and workshops, these shirts provide ongoing visibility for your organisation throughout the year.

This sponsorship is an affordable way to demonstrate your support for Queensland's urban water sector while gaining exposure to professionals from councils, utilities, government agencies, consultants, and industry suppliers across the state.

More info here.

Say What You Are Campaign

The Census is on 11 August and our Say What You Are Campaign helps water sector workers to be counted properly for the important work that they do.

The message is simple: When your team completes the Census, make sure they describe what they actually do—not just who they work for.

Every correctly identified Water Treatment Operator, Water Network Operator, Trade Waste Officer, Water Sampler and Supervisor helps build a clearer picture of our workforce. Better data means a stronger case for funding, training and future workforce planning.

Download the campaign materials here.

OTHER NEWS

Drinking Water Regulation Workshops

The Department's Water Supply Regulation (WSR) team is hosting two Drinking Water Regulation Workshops in August and September, providing an opportunity for water service providers to hear directly from regulators and industry experts on current issues affecting the sector.

Brisbane Workshop - Tuesday 25 August 2026
Location: 11 George Street Auditorium (in-person) and online via MS Teams
Register by 5pm Friday 14 August 2026, via the link below:
Registration Form: Water Supply Regulation Drinking Water Workshop - Brisbane 2026
Charleville - Wednesday 2 September 2026
Location: Charleville Racecourse, 61 Partridge St, Charleville.
Register by 5pm Friday 14 August 2026, via the link below:
Registration Form: Water Supply Regulation Drinking Water Workshop - Charleville 2026
Townsville - Monday 12 October 2026
Location TBC

If you have questions or are no longer able to attend, please email drinkingwater.reporting@dlgwv.qld.gov.au.

AWA Events

The AWA Queensland Chapter has a number of upcoming events including:

QLD Technical Debate – 2 September 2026

This debate will explore the tensions between intergenerational equity, affordability, efficiency and long-term water security, challenging conventional thinking about who pays, who benefits, and what we owe future generations.

More info and register here.

QLD YWP Social Event – 9 September 2026

Join the Queensland YWPs for an interactive, scenario-based Flood Game responding to unfolding flood emergencies across the state.

More info and register here.

Queensland Conference – 13to14 October 2026

Under the theme “One Water, One Future: Uniting Queensland’s Water Story,” the 2026 Queensland Conference brings together utilities, government, Traditional Owners and industry to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and shape a resilient, sustainable water future.

More info and register here.

Learn from the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project

The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project is a landmark infrastructure initiative mandated by the Queensland Government to enhance safety, improve flood resilience, and long-term water security. As the primary drinking water source for more than 180,000 residents across the Toowoomba Region, Cressbrook Dam plays a critical role in supporting the community and local economy.

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) is hosting a webinar on Wednesday 12 August to explore the project's objectives, delivery approach and key lessons learned from the largest local government-led dam safety project undertaken in Queensland to date.

You'll hear first-hand experiences from the project team, including Courtney Shadbolt and David Eberhard from Toowoomba Regional Council, and gain practical lessons that can be applied across the sector.

More info and register here.

Veolia Emerging Contaminants Webinar

Veolia Australia-New Zealand (Veolia) will be hosting an Emerging Contaminants (ECs) seminar/webinar from 1pm to 2.30pm on 11 August 2026. This in-person and online event will feature speakers who will present on a range of topics relating to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Microplastics and PFAS.

If you would like to receive an invitation to attend the seminar or webinar, please reach out directly to Kathy Northcott.

Great Barrier Reef Urban Technology and Innovation Fund

The Queensland Government has opened applications for a new Wastewater Grant Program as part of the joint Australian and Queensland governments' $24M Great Barrier Reef Urban Technology and Innovation Fund.

The Wastewater Grant Program (up to $10M available) is designed to accelerate the development, testing and commercialisation of innovative wastewater treatment technologies capable of achieving leading-practice nutrient removal.

Tier 1: Up to $4M for large-scale trials of innovative wastewater treatment systems.
Tier 2: Up to $200K to commercialise promising wastewater technologies.

The grant guidelines, application forms, frequently asked questions and a communications kit are available through the Fund website.

The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 17 August 2026.

CURRENT CONSULTATIONS

Have Your Say on Future Water Planning

The Queensland Government is reviewing and replacing the Warrego, Paroo, Bulloo and Nebine Water Plan 2016 and is seeking community feedback on key water management issues, opportunities and challenges in the region.

Input from stakeholders will help shape a draft replacement plan, informed by the latest science and technical assessments. Submissions are open until 5pm, 28 September 2026.

Learn more and provide your feedback via the Public Consultation Notice or contact the water planning team at WPBNWaterPlan@dlgwv.qld.gov.au.

ANZG for Fresh and Marine Water Quality June 2026 update

New or updated water quality guidelines are being developed under the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2018 (ANZG 2018). As a reminder, anyone can subscribe for ANZG updates direct from the ANZG team.

Draft aquatic ecosystem guidelines open for public comment (reminder)

The following draft aquatic ecosystem guidelines have been released on the ANZG website for public review/submissions. Refer to the ANZG website links below for more details: