eFlash #666

eFlash #666 New

Date: 31-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.

Andrew Chapman, CEO of Queensland Major Contractors Association will set the scene with an overview of Queensland’s major projects pipeline. As the CEO of the QMCA Andrew leads the organisation representing the engineering and construction companies that are responsible for the major construction and civil engineering work in the state.

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

Earlybird registration discounts end Friday 31 July 2026.

Thanks to our sponsors GBA Consulting Engineers, TRILITY, Engenera, Colliers, McCullough Robertson Lawyers, Aquatec Maxcon.

Water Quality and Trade Waste Workshop

Recordings of the qldwater Wastewater Quality and Trade Waste: Out of Sight, Top of Mind workshop is now available on our website.

Watch the recordings and download presentations here. (Members only so log in first please!)

Launch of the Lime Card

The latest addition to our suite of card courses was launched at the trade waste workshop last week. The Lime Card is a foundation course that provides a practical introduction to trade waste management for people who aren’t trade waste specialists, helping staff understand what to look for and when to escalate concerns.

The course should be completed by anybody in your business that could come into contact with trade waste.

Access the course here.

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

This is the final push for the Say What You Are Campaign in preparation for Census Day on 11 August 2026.

This campaign only works if you help get the message to your crews, so please share the information in a five-minute toolbox talk, stick up a poster or just have a quick chat before the Census.

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

Inside Water Podcast with Prof Stuart Khan

In this episode of Inside Water, Prof Khan discusses how the industry’s understanding of risk has changed over the past 25 years. He reflects on the shift from microbial contaminants to trace chemicals, the rise of PFAS as a public concern, and the importance of explaining guideline values in a way communities can understand.

The conversation also looks at potable reuse and the role of rainfall-independent water supplies in strengthening drought resilience. Prof Khan says Sydney and other major cities are already moving in that direction, but the pace of planning remains a challenge. From urban runoff and sewer overflows to wastewater surveillance and ageing infrastructure, this episode explores how technical capability, governance, communication and investment all shape the water sector’s ability to protect public health.

Listen to the podcast here.

IPWEA Climate Resilient Infrastructure Guideline

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) has released the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Guideline (CRIG) and the supporting Climate Resilient Infrastructure Online Course.

The CRIG empowers councils, utilities and infrastructure owners to identify climate risks, prioritise adaptation investments, and improve long-term service reliability. It provides industry best-practice guidance on the integration of climate risk and resilience into asset and financial management planning.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority Webinar

As disaster risks become more frequent, severe and complex, how governments fund recovery and resilience is evolving.

Join Jimmy Scott, General Manager, Resilience and Recovery Disaster Coordinator at the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) at 12 – 1pm on Monday 10 August for a free webinar exploring proposed national disaster funding reforms and what they could mean for Queensland councils and communities.

Stormwater Australia Webinars

Stormwater Australia is hosting two free webinars celebrating the 2025 State Award winners. This series will highlight cutting-edge research, practical insights, and innovative approaches driving improvements in stormwater management across Australia.

Excellence in Infrastructure

Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026

Time: 12pm - 1pm (AEST)

Registration: Register for webinar

Featured presentations include the Crendon Street Park Naturalised Channel Project in Moreton Bay, South Park Lands Wetland and Flood Mitigation in SA and Reimagining Lewis Park Retarding Basin and Blind Creek in Victoria.

Excellence in Asset Management

Date: Thursday, 6 August 2026

Time: 12pm - 1pm (AEST)

Registration: Register for webinar

Featured presentations include Optimal Stormwater at Wingecarribee Shire Council, Glenelg Stormwater Relining, Precinct-Wide Stormwater Asset Management Through Outstanding Stakeholder Engagement and Heritage-Sensitive Environmental Management at Cardinia Shire Council and Smart Drainage Initiative in WA.

WIOA Publications

WIOA has released the latest edition of their technical journal, WaterWorks. This edition includes articles on digital water monitoring, navigating capital upgrades from an operational perspective, investigating the impact of recycled water use on soil and much more.

Read WaterWorks here.

The latest edition of Operator, WIOA’s magazine for insights into water industry operations has also been released. This issue includes updates on events, awards, member spotlights and more.

Read Operator here.

AWA QLD Water Awards

Nominations are open for the Australian Water Association’s Queensland Water Awards, an opportunity to get your people and projects the recognition they deserve!

Nominations close 7 September, and the winners will be announced at the QLD Gala Dinner on Friday, 13 November.

More info here.

CURRENT CONSULTATIONS

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.

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 share those experiences with Louise Reeves or Georgina Davis at qldwater.

Find more information about the consultation here.

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: