eFlash #668

eFlash #668 New

Date: 13-Aug-2026

Annual Forum 2026 – Last chance to register!

The challenges facing Queensland's urban water sector have never been greater. Ageing infrastructure, workforce shortages, funding constraints, regulatory reform, affordability pressures and growing community expectations are all converging to create a compelling case for change.

That's why we've brought together an outstanding line-up of industry leaders, policy experts, economists, utility executives, infrastructure specialists and water advocates for the qldwater 2026 Annual Forum: The Urgent Drop: The Case for Change.

Attendees will hear from speakers including:

•Andrew Chapman on Queensland's major projects pipeline and future opportunities

Josie Raftery on Queensland's looming water and wastewater infrastructure funding challenge
Sascha Moege on reforms to local water utility funding models in NSW
Jim Grayson and Sophie Guest on global and Australian water policy developments and what they mean for councils
Tim White on economic regulation and pricing frameworks
Jason Lee on securing investment in essential water services during times of fiscal constraint
David Heape on workforce, funding and regional water sector challenges
Scott Mason on the outcomes of the CQROC QWRAP Risk Review Project and future opportunities for the region
Chris White on leveraging collaboration for new infrastructure
Sarah Hausler on public liability and steps to properly manage risks and discharge duties.

If you're involved in water, wastewater, planning, infrastructure, asset management, finance, policy or local government leadership, this forum will provide valuable insights, practical ideas and opportunities to connect with peers from across the sector.

The forum will take place on 19 August at the IPWEA-QNT Training Rooms in Eagle Farm, Brisbane, with an optional technical tour of Veolia's Northgate Depot for portable water treatment technology, the Southern Redland Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the adjoining Shoreline Project mangrove wetland on Thursday, 20 August.

Secure your place today and join the conversation on the future of sustainable water utility funding.

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

Survey – Entry Level Pathways

qldwater is seeking to understand the range of entry-level workforce development pathways currently offered by member organisations. This short survey should take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will close on 2 September 2026. The information collected will help identify existing good practice, explore opportunities for industry collaboration, and inform future workforce attraction and development initiatives across the Queensland water sector.

We are particularly interested in understanding current approaches to work experience, traineeships, cadetships, graduate programs, vocational placements, and partnerships members have with higher education providers and all-inclusive recruitment agencies.

Complete the survey here.

Trade Marks Secured for SWIM® and swimlocal®

We are happy to report that Australian trade mark numbers 2518341 for SWIM® and 2518342 for SWIMLOCAL® in classes 9, 35 and 42, in the name of Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland Ltd, have progressed to registration.

We thank all our members who have been part of the journey in developing these data reporting and management tools – built by our members, for our members.

qldwater Polo Shirt Sponsorship

There is one opportunity left for an organisation 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.

OTHER NEWS

Accelerating Australia’s Circular Water Economy

On 19 August, Circular Australia, the Australian Water Association, Arup, and SUEZ are launching a new report that reframes this challenge as an opportunity. Accelerating Australia's Circular Water Economy maps where value is currently lost across the water cycle, and where policy, market, and investment action can unlock it.

Join the launch webinar to hear more about the report and how to get involved.

Independent Chair, Bactosure Group

Bactosure Group is looking to appoint an Independent Chair to help shape group strategy and guide Bactosure through expansion into Australia, North America and Europe. The Chair would lead a board that already includes Dr Ali Naqui (former Corporate Vice President for Water at IDEXX), Dr Pat Whalen (CEO and Chairman of LuminUltra) and Jonno Hill (Managing Director of Hill Laboratories, NZ's largest water and environmental testing laboratory). They need someone with the standing to hold a board of that calibre and, ideally, experience taking a business through international growth. Location: anywhere in Australia.

If you are interested, please contact Chris Bishop.

National Water Week

National Water Week returns from 19-25 October 2026 with the theme: Water is Life.

This National Water Week, take time to:

Learn how water works in your community.
Value the people and systems that deliver safe water and sanitation.
Care for the waterways and catchments that sustain life.

Visit the National Water Week website to download logos and graphics, resources (including the Flood Game materials) and to register your events.

AWA QLD Events and Awards

2 September 2026
Technical Debate 2026 exploring 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.
Register here.

9 September 2026
YWP Social Event
Join the Queensland YWPs for an interactive, scenario-based Flood Game responding to unfolding flood emergencies across the state.
Register here.

13-14 October 2026
AWA Queensland Conference, Townsville
Register here.

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

Commonwealth Government’s proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)

Moving to the proposed Disaster Recovery Funding Framework (DRFF) will see the Commonwealth contribute billions less to Queensland. This is despite Queensland being Australia's most disaster affected state. The DRFF, which advocates for a 50:50 cost sharing arrangement, would mean a significant cut to the funding available for disaster reconstruction. qldwater is calling on its members to make their voice heard on the changes as currently drafted. Consultation on these critical changes is open until 19 August 2026.

Read our letter to Minister McBain here.

Consultation on Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026

The Queensland Government released the draft Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 which sets the long-term direction for growth, while protecting what makes the region unique.

The draft regional plan is intended to support jobs and the regional economy. The plan links land use and infrastructure planning to coordinate the delivery of essential services including water.

Consultation closes on Monday 14 September 2026.

Make a submission here.

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.