eFlash #670 New
Date: 04-Sep-2026
In this edition: Introducing the Yellow Card | qldwater Submission calls for Statutory Protections | qldwater Advocates for Infrastructure Funding on 7.30 Report | Annual Forum 2026 Recordings and Presentations | Inside Water Article | Survey Reminder - Entry Level Pathways | Environmental Regulator Roadshow | H2S and Cl WELS | Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit | Water Leadership Scholarships Available | Water Supply Regulator e-Alerts | Disaster Management Research Forum | Cyanobacteria - CSIRO Research EOI for Participation
Introducing the Yellow Card
Our latest addition to the Water Training website, the Yellow Card, is now available on the Water Training website. This course provides non-electrical workers with the knowledge to recognise low voltage electrical hazards, understand exclusion zones and safe approach distances, safely interact with electrical equipment in operational environments, and know when to stop and escalate to qualified electrical personnel.
This is not an electrical licence course and does not authorise any type of electrical work.
The course is divided into five modules:
- Module 1: Electrical Basics
- Module 2: Water Industry Electrical Hazards
- Module 3: Roles, Responsibilities and Electrical Safety
- Module 4: Safe Work Around LV Equipment
- Module 5: Emergency Response
As with all our Card courses, the Yellow Card is available free of charge to all qldwater members and Affiliates. Dynamic rules will allow learners with the appropriate email domains to be enrolled in the course so please ensure you use your work emails to access the course. Please email skills@qldwater.com.au if you have questions or technical issues.
The course is available to contractors / non-members at $220 +GST.
qldwater submission calls for statutory protections
In our submission to the review of statutory protections for wastewater treatment plants under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, qldwater calls for targeted legislative amendments rather than a policy-only response. Key recommendations include recognising authorised wastewater systems as end-of-line or passive receivers, introducing statutory protections for existing and future contaminants, extending protections across compliance, restoration and civil liability matters, and ensuring similar protections apply to compliant recycled water and biosolids reuse schemes. The submission also advocates for stronger upstream source control measures, alignment with related waste legislation and End of Waste Codes, and a collaborative technical and legal drafting process to implement any agreed changes.
All our submissions are available here.
qldwater advocates for infrastructure funding on 7.30 Report
qldwater CEO Dr Georgina Davis appeared on ABC’s 7.30 Report this week, shining a spotlight on the growing challenge of ageing water and wastewater infrastructure across regional Queensland and the urgent need for permanent, dedicated funding. Georgina highlighted that much of Queensland’s essential water infrastructure is now operating well beyond its intended lifespan, while the reliable funding streams councils once relied on to renew and replace these assets have long since disappeared.
The report showcased the real impacts of ageing infrastructure on regional communities and reinforced qldwater’s long-standing advocacy position that water and sewerage services are essential public health infrastructure that require ongoing, predictable investment. Councils cannot be expected to meet growing service, regulatory and renewal demands without sustainable long-term funding support.
We encourage members to take seven minutes to watch the report and help amplify the call for permanent funding solutions that support safe, secure and sustainable water services for all Queensland communities.
Annual Forum 2026 recordings and presentations
Recordings of qldwater 2026 Annual Forum presentations are now available for delegates and qldwater members on our website. Please log in to access the page.
Attendees who are not qldwater members will be able to access this page only and no other qldwater resources. Please use the email address that you used to register for the event when logging in and click the Forgot Password button to create your account.
If you require any assistance accessing the papers, please email enquiry@qldwater.com.au.
Photos of the event are available here.
Inside Water Article
Through our media partnership with Inside Water Magazine, qldwater contributes an article to each edition. In the September issue we focused on responsible governance, arguing that transparent risk data and sustained funding will be essential to ensure infrastructure decisions reflect long-term public need.
Survey Reminder – Entry Level Pathways
Thanks to those who have already responded to our survey of entry-level workforce development pathways currently offered by member organisations. The deadline has been extended to 11 September. The survey should only take about 5 minutes to complete, and 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.
OTHER NEWS
Environmental Regulator Roadshow
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) will be hosting an Environmental Regulator Roadshow for Local Governments at the Christie Spaces Brisbane Conference Centre from 10.00 am to 3.45pm on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
Hosted by Patricia O’Callaghan, Director-General, DETSI, this full-day forum will bring together local governments, utility organisations and key government stakeholders to build regulatory understanding and share practical approaches that support environmental outcomes.
The program will include plenary sessions, workshops, panel discussions including qldwater’s CEO and opportunities to engage with regulatory leaders and subject matter experts on priority issues.
Places are limited to five attendees per council and registration is essential.
H2S and Cl WELS
Following a meeting of Safe Work Australia members on 19 August, the DRIS for 9 chemicals will be entering a further discussion phase with the establishment of an expert panel to examine lower exposure limits for several chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide and chlorine. The panel will consider:
- alternative exposure limit options,
- implementation approaches and timeframes, and
- measurement and practicality concerns.
The expert panel is scheduled to deliver its report by 6 November 2026, with the findings intended for consideration by SWA members at their 26 November 2026 meeting.
WSAA, qldwater and utility partners will continue advocating on behalf of the water sector throughout the expert panel process and directly with federal and state regulators as well as SWA to uphold the sector's position that further work investigating an alternative option need to consider:
- Water sector commitment to safety
- H2S and Cl cannot be eliminated or substituted
- Demonstration of scientifically supported health benefits
- Health benefits must be reasonably practical
- Internation considerations and competition
- Implementation concerns.
Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit
The International WaterCentre will be hosting the annual Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit on Thursday, 26 November 2026 at the Grove Rooftop. The IWC’s founding CEO, Mark Pascoe, was a strong advocate for creating spaces where diverse perspectives could come together — encouraging open discussion, shared learning, and collective thinking across the water sector.
Following Mark’s passing in 2022, the Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit was established to honour his legacy by continuing to connect people, ideas, and expertise in meaningful ways.
Water Leadership Scholarships Available
Looking to take the next step in your leadership journey? The International WaterCentre is offering five scholarships for the 2026 Water Leadership Program, including the inaugural Peta Mullin Inclusive Leadership Scholarship for female applicants.
The award-winning program supports emerging leaders to develop the skills and influence needed to tackle complex water management challenges. Scholarship applications close 13 September, so don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional development.
Water Supply Regulator e-Alerts
The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers latest e-Alert highlighted some key dates for upcoming events and reporting.
- Thursday 1 October – KPI Reporting due by COB.
- Monday 12 October – WSR Workshop, Townsville – Register here.
- Thursday 17 December – Drinking Water Annual Reports due.
To ensure you stay up to date with regulator news, subscribe to the e-Alerts by emailing WSR@dlgwv.qld.gov.au. This mailbox will be used for WSR communications and engagement activities such as future e-Alerts, surveys, workshop registrations, event enquiries, and general program updates. It provides a central point of contact for WSR-related information and participation opportunities.
Please note that service provider-specific, KPI reporting and regulatory matters should continue to be directed through existing channels, including the drinkingwater.reporting@dlgwv.qld.gov.au inbox or your departmental contact or allocated officer.
Disaster Management Research Forum
As Queensland transitions from an unusually wet winter into conditions increasingly influenced by El Niño, many communities are preparing for a challenging higher-risk weather season ahead. This changing environment is a timely reminder of the importance of research, foresight, and evidence-based decision-making in helping us understand emerging risks and strengthen resilience.
The Office of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management will host the sixth annual Queensland Disaster Management Research Forum on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This year’s forum will explore the theme: “Research outside the norm – challenging assumptions, methods, and boundaries through disruptive thinking with real-world impact.”
Visit the Forum webpage for more details.
Cyanobacteria – CSIRO research EOI for participation
The impact of harmful algal blooms on water sources and for public health is difficult to predict. A new research project run by CSIRO aims to shine more light on the nature of harmful algal blooms (species and toxins) that could be produced in water bodies across Australia. Service providers can participate in this project by sending in cyano-bloom samples to CSIRO, beginning in Q4 2026. This project uses state of the art DNA sequencing methods to obtain information about cyanobacterial species and cyanotoxins that may be produced in a water body at some point in the future. No laboratory costs are expected to be imposed on participating service providers.
Small regional service providers who are interested in participating in the project to characterise source water samples may be eligible for free transport of samples associated with this project. Please get in touch with your allocated WSR officer to register your interest.
More information about the project is available on the CSIRO website.
WIOA FNQ Interest Day
WIOA will be hosting an industry interest day in Cairns on Friday, 16 October.
Connect with operators from across the region and gain some practical industry insight in a relaxed setting at the West Cairns Bowls Club.
CURRENT CONSULTATIONS
Draft State Planning Policy Open for Consultation
The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning is seeking feedback on a draft State Planning Policy. The State Planning Policy is a key part of Queensland’s planning framework. It sets out the state’s interests in land use planning and development and guides how local planning instruments are prepared and applied across Queensland. The draft State Planning Policy proposes several changes, including:
- new strategic aspirations
- a revised structure
- updated and consolidated state interests
- changes to supporting statutory tools and guidance materials
Consultation is open until 26 October. If you want to contribute to qldwater’s submission, please contact Georgina.
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 and infrastructure planning to coordinate the delivery of essential services including water.
Consultation closes on Monday 14 September 2026.
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.