eFlash #678 New
Date: 28-Oct-2026
In this edition: Essentials Webinar: Learning from the Agile Experiment | End of Year Drinks – Register Now! | Submission on State Planning Policy | Queensland Water Awards | Utility Awards 2026 Winners Announced | Infrastructure Financial Management Manual | BoM Water Sector Climate and Water Briefing | From Research to Practice: Advancing Biosolids Management | WIOA Operator Magazine | World Mental Health First Aid Day | Submissions for New End of Waste Codes
Essentials Webinar: Learning from the Agile Experiment
How can water utilities balance the flexibility of agile delivery with the governance and planning needed for long-term success?
Join us at 10am on Thursday, 11 November for our next Essentials Webinar, Learning from the Agile Experiment: Lessons in Digital Portfolio Management, presented by Harrison Gray, Head of Digital and Transformation at ClearRidge.
Drawing on published case studies and research, Harrison will explore the benefits, limitations and practical lessons of applying agile approaches to digital portfolio management. Tailored to Queensland council water professionals, the session will examine the implications for people, processes, funding, governance and operational capacity, while highlighting the importance of maintaining strategic direction and investment oversight.
Participants will gain practical insights into combining iterative delivery with effective planning, accountability and business ownership to achieve lasting service improvements.
Register now to secure your place.
End of Year Drinks – Register Now!
Don't miss the chance to catch up with water sector colleagues and partners at qldwater's End of Year Drinks on 18 November 2026 at the Green Deck, Parliament House.
We're pleased to welcome Assistant Minister Sean Dillon MP, who will be opening the event.
A big thank you to Dredging Solutions for sponsoring this year's event and helping keep it affordable for members.
Submission on State Planning Policy
qldwater’s submission to the Queensland Government’s draft State Planning Policy calls for stronger integration of urban water infrastructure, environmental protection and climate resilience in planning decisions. It supports the policy’s focus on housing and coordinated growth, while recommending clearer safeguards for water quality, natural hazards, infrastructure buffers, precinct planning and fair funding for the water services needed to support Queensland’s growing communities.
All qldwater reports and submissionsare available here. (Members only so log in first please!)
Queensland Water Awards
We were delighted to learn that our Strategic Priorities Group (SPG) Chair, Emma Fisher has been named a finalist in the 2026 Australian Water Association Queensland Water Awards for Young Water Professional of the Year.
Congratulations to Emma and to all the outstanding people, projects and organisations from across the state that have been recognised as finalists across a range of categories.
Winners will be announced at the Queensland Gala Awards Dinner at the Sofitel Brisbane on Friday 13 November 2026.
More information and register here.
Utility Awards 2026 Winners Announced
Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural 2026 Utility Awards announced at a gala awards dinner in Melbourne on 27 October.
Queensland winners included:
- Utility of the Year: Unitywater
- Utility Project of the Year: Gladstone Area Water Board for the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline
While SWIM® was not selected this year, we're proud that 100% of Queensland water service providers continue to rely on the system for their annual reporting. The support of our members remains the strongest endorsement we could ask for.
OTHER NEWS
Infrastructure Financial Management Manual
The Institute of Public Works Engineering (IPWEA) have officially launched the 2026 edition of the Australian Infrastructure Financial Management Manual (AIFMM).
This edition of the AIFMM has been developed as a practical and accessible resource for finance professionals, asset managers, engineers, executives, and decision-makers working within asset-intensive organisations.
It has been comprehensively revised and updated to reflect evolving industry practices, current Australian Accounting Standards, and broader international perspectives.
BoM Water Sector Climate and Water Briefing
The Bureau of Meteorology's Water Sector Services team are holding a Water Sector Climate and Water Briefing for the high-risk weather season ahead at 1pm AEST on Thursday 29 October 2026.
Tamika Tihema, a climatologist in the Bureau of Meteorology, will be taking a national focus looking at recent conditions, long-range forecasts, climate indicators and the high-risk weather season outlook.
Tam has worked in the Operational Climate section for more than 18 years and has recently moved into the Water Sector Services within the Bureau. As a Customer Lead for Australia’s water sector, Tam uses her climate background to connect water customer needs with the Bureau’s expertise and services.
We have reached out the team to see if a recording of the webinar will be available but if not, a briefing pack will be distributed after the event.
Meeting ID: 421 978 568 532 42 | Passcode: 33Jz3Fs6
From Research to Practice: Advancing Biosolids Management
Join the Australian and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP), the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF) at 9am AEST on 17 November for an international discussion on the latest research and practical approaches to biosolids management.
Bringing together perspectives from Australia, New Zealand and North America, this webinar will explore recent research, industry developments and the challenges facing utilities and biosolids professionals. The session will feature presentations on research and industry findings, followed by a panel discussion on how research can inform decision-making and support practical biosolids management solutions.
Whether you work in a utility, consultancy, research organisation or across the broader biosolids sector, this webinar offers an opportunity to hear different perspectives and connect with industry colleagues across the two regions.
WIOA Operator Magazine
The latest edition of WIOA’s triannual publication, Operator, is now available with lots of water industry news and general interest stories including a great spotlight story on recently retired operator and mentor Murray Ball.
Read the Operator Magazine here.
World Mental Health First Aid Day
Would you know what to do if a colleague, friend or family member was experiencing a mental health problem?
That's the question behind this year's World Mental Health First Aid Day theme, Ready when it matters, on 18 November. As trained Mental Health First Aiders, the qldwater team understands the importance of being prepared to support others and having meaningful conversations when someone may be struggling.
To help support wellbeing across the water industry, qldwater partnered with Belinda Chapman to deliver a series of Wellness Webinars. If you missed them, recordings are still available to watch online.
Watch recordings of the webinars here.
Learn more about Mental Health First Aid Day here.
CURRENT CONSULTATIONS
Submissions for New End of Waste Codes
The Queensland Government invites submissions about whether there is any particular waste for which an End of Waste (EOW) code should be prepared under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 to ensure that resources are targeted towards the development of EOW codes for which there is strong industry demand.
If a waste is approved as a resource under the EOW framework, it is no longer considered a waste under section 8AA of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. However, if the resource is not used in accordance with the EOW code, it is deemed to be a waste. More information on the EOW framework and a list of approved EOW codes is available at End of waste codes | Business Queensland.
To make a submission, complete the Submission for proposed end of waste code form or contact RRS.Consultation@detsi.qld.gov.au with 'EOW codes' in the email subject heading.
Submissions close 5pm 20 November 2026, but proponents can engage with the Queensland Government throughout the year on the development of EOW codes.