eFlash #671 New
Date: 10-Sep-2026
In this edition: Annual Report 2025-26 now available | Why more organisations choose swimlocal® | Toolbox updates | End of Year Drinks - save the date! | 2026 National PFAS Symposium | National Biosolids Conference 2027 | AWA QLD Conference Townsville | New End of Waste Codes | Toxic gases in wastewater webinar | Walk for Water | Water Night 2026 | WIOA seeks Board Directors
2025-26 Annual Report now available
Discover how qldwater has worked alongside members over the past year to support safe, secure and sustainable urban water services for Queensland communities.
Our 2025-26 Annual Report showcases key achievements across advocacy, research, data management, workforce development and regional collaboration through our key programs including SWIM®, swimlocal®, SWEAP, qCRAC, QWRAP, the Water Skills Partnership and the Water Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor.
The report also features testimonials from members across Queensland, highlighting the value these programs deliver to utilities, councils and communities.
Thank you to the many members and partners who contributed to another successful year of collaboration and sector leadership.
Why more organisations choose swimlocal®
swimlocal® continues to grow, with subscriber numbers increasing to 71 over the past year as more organisations recognise the value of accessible, reliable water quality data.
From water service providers and local governments to Queensland Health facilities and community catchment groups, users are leveraging the platform to collect, manage and share recreational water quality information with confidence.
We recently spoke with three councils about their experience using swimlocal and the benefits it has delivered for their organisations and communities.
Toolbox Updates
The latest addition to the qldwater Water Workforce Toolbox for Human Resources / Industrial Relations is a case study on the implementation of multi-skilled network operations field crews.
Based on a presentation delivered at a qldwater HR/IR network meeting in July, the case study outlines Redland City Council’s journey, challenges and outcomes, providing a practical example for other councils considering similar reforms.
End of Year Drinks – Save the Date!
Join qldwater at the Green Deck, Parliament House, Brisbane from 5.30 – 7.30pm on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 to celebrate another busy year in Queensland's urban water sector. This is an opportunity to network with professionals from Water Service Providers, sector suppliers, and government stakeholders.
One free ticket is available per qldwater member organisation. Registrations will open soon.
OTHER NEWS
2026 National PFAS Symposium
The 2026 National PFAS Symposium will be held from 6-9 December at the Advanced Engineering Building, The University of Queensland. This event will bring together leading experts, researchers and professionals to discuss the latest advances in the study, management and remediation of PFAS. Attendees will explore cutting edge research, regulatory developments and innovative technologies aimed at addressing the challenges posed by PFAS contamination. The symposium will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and foster collaboration across sectors to advance solutions for managing PFAS risks to the environment and public health.
National Biosolids Conference 2027
The biennial National Biosolids Conference is heading to Melbourne in 2027. Held over two days from 3-4 March 2027, this conference will explore how research, operational experience and sector knowledge can be translated into confident decisions and practical outcomes.
Under the theme Evidence into Action, the conference will showcase applied research, operational case studies and practical lessons from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. The program will explore source control, regulation and risk, best-practice operations, asset optimisation, infrastructure and thermal processing, product development, circular economy outcomes, carbon and energy, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and beneficial end use.
AWA QLD Conference Townsville
The upcoming Queensland AWA Conference on 13-14 October in Townsville includes a dedicated session on the topic of Industrial Trade Waste: Tackling Emerging Contaminants Before They Reach Our Waterways.
The session will have presentations covering:
- PFAS, biosolids and biochar – Research spanning wastewater treatment, pyrolysis and a Queensland sugarcane trial. Tayla Hickey, Townsville City Council
- The Reef Starts Upstream – Using trade waste management to reduce microplastics entering the Great Barrier Reef. Marina F.M. Santana, Australian Institute of Marine Science
- Emerging PFAS Detection Technologies – New on-site sensing technologies for wastewater and coastal environments. Dr Ming Zhou, Griffith University
- Building Industry Capability – Improving trade waste consistency and collaboration across Queensland. Colin Hester, Queensland Water Directorate
- Emerging Threats on the Horizon – Emerging contaminants, regulatory gaps and opportunities for earlier intervention. Chantal Keane, The University of Queensland
Our Water Skills Partnership Manager Sarah Henry will also be delivering her QWater25 Best Paper: Breaking Silos, Building Strength.
New End of Waste Codes
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation developed two new EOW codes. The EOW code for Grease Trap Waste was developed for the reuse of grease trap waste as a soil conditioner on agricultural land. Grease trap waste is any water, grease, oil, solids or other material resulting from the preparation or manufacturing of food that is collected in a grease trap or interceptor. This EOW code was gazetted on 22 May 2026 and took effect from that date.
An EOW code for Recycled Beverages has been developed for the reuse of unused, pre-consumer soft-drinks, juices, waters, alcoholic beverages, and other non-protein-based beverages that are generated during the manufacturing, processing and distribution processes, as a soil conditioner on agricultural land. The gazettal of this EOW code took place on 29 May 2026.
More information on the EOW framework and a list of approved EOW codes is available on DETSI’s website.
Under the EOW framework of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, a waste can be approved as a resource if the department considers that it meets specified quality criteria for a given use. It is the waste producer's responsibility to ensure that the resource meets the specified quality criteria prior to using or supplying it to the user for the approved use(s). If a waste is approved as a resource under an EOW code, it is no longer considered a waste under s.13 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
A resource producer under an EOW code must register with the DETSI prior to using, selling or giving away the resource. If a resource producer has not registered with the department, or if the resource is not used in accordance with the EOW code, the resource is deemed to be waste and continues to be managed within the waste management controls. Penalties may apply if the requirements or conditions of an EOW code are not complied with.
Toxic gases in wastewater webinar
The AWA Industrial Water and Trade Waste Specialist Network is hosting a webinar at 3pm on 17 September to explore practical approaches to managing hazardous gases and improving safety when working in and around confined spaces.
This session will provide practical insights into:
- identifying toxic gas and atmospheric hazards
- gas monitoring practices
- safe working procedures
- selecting and using appropriate protective equipment
- strengthening safety awareness and culture.
Register here. (AWA members only)
Walk for Water
WaterAid’s Walk for Water is on again from 19 – 23 October 2026. Walk, run or ride for five days to help raise awareness and funds for people around the world who don’t have access to clean water close to home. Take part individually, with colleagues, or create a team and make it a shared National Water Week activity.
Water Night 2026
Join thousands of Australians on Thursday, 22 October to turn off your taps from 5-10pm as part of The Water Conservancy’s annual Water Night. The event aims to raise awareness of our reliance on water and its value in everyday life.
WIOA Seeks Board Directors
WIOA is looking for two highly motivated individuals to replace Board members who have completed their current terms. There are two positions available for the right people. Nominations close at 12pm on Wednesday, 30 September.
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.
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.