eFlash #679 New
Date: 05-Nov-2026
In this edition: Insights from qlwater Annual Forum featured in Inside Water | Essentials Webinar: Learning from the Agile Experiment | End of Year Drinks | 2026 Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit | DETSI Regulatory Updates | Water Supply Regulator e-Alert | BoM Water Sector Climate and Water Briefing
Insights from qldwater Annual Forum featured in Inside Water
As part of qldwater’s media partnership with Inside Water, editor Chris Edwards has produced a series of articles inspired by discussions at the qldwater Annual Forum. The series explores many of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Australian urban water sector, from funding and regulation to workforce capability and infrastructure delivery.
Drawing on the perspectives of sector leaders and practitioners, these articles provide valuable insights into the policy, investment and workforce issues shaping the future of water services across Queensland and Australia.
Topics include:
- Queensland water funding divide puts regions under strain
- How Herbie made the case for water investment for Redlands City
- Queensland water regulation must fit the provider
- NSW water funding reform targets services, not projects
- Queensland water reform lessons come into focus
- Councils seek permanent fix for water infrastructure cliff
- Queensland water construction pipeline faces a capacity test
- Queensland water workforce critical to state’s growth
We encourage members to explore the series from the links above and share these articles with colleagues interested in the future of water service delivery, infrastructure investment and sector reform.
Read the full series on Inside Water
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.
OTHER NEWS
2026 Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit
How do we mobilise the collective power of communities, landowners and industries to work with us on improving our water and environmental management?
That’s the question the International WaterCentre will be tackling at this year’s 2026 Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit at the Stamford Plaza, Brisbane CBD on 26 November 2026.
The workshop facilitator for 2026 is Dr Simon Costanzo with inputs from panellists Chris Norman, Lisa Welsh and Tony McAlister.
The panel and workshop event (1:30 – 5:00pm) will be followed by networking from 5:00 - 6:30pm.
Regulatory Updates
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) provided an update on the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 (EPOLA Act 2026) which was granted assent on 16 June 2026.
This Act implements a series of reforms to the existing framework and functions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) and other legislation including chapter 3 of the Water Act 2000 (Water Act) and the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Amendments are aimed at improving administrative efficiency, reducing regulatory burden, and ensuring that Queensland’s environmental legislation remains contemporary and responsive.
View a copy of the EPOLA Act 2026 and explanatory notes here.
The amendments made by the EPOLA Act 2026 commence on two separate dates; some on assent and the remainder via proclamation at a later date. The following provides an overview of the key changes.
- Several amendments have been made to the operation of Chapter 3 of the Water Act particularly associated with monitoring of groundwater impacts, contemporary modelling and reporting of underground water impacts, and coexistence arrangements.
- Environmental Relevant Activity (ERA) codes are being introduced as an alternative to traditional environmental authorities for some low‑risk activities. These codes aim to reduce administrative burden while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.
- A new mechanism allows the Minister to declare Significant Environmental Values (SEVs)—those environmental values considered particularly important to the State. This amendment and the list of SEVs will not commence until a later date to be declared by Regulation.
The department's websites will be updated to reflect the legislative changes and provide any new regulatory guidance that is required.
Water Supply Regulator e-Alert
The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) Water Supply Regulation (WSR) team issued a Wet Season Preparedness update for water service providers to prepare for extreme heat, cyclones, flooding, drought and bushfires.
Key tips include:
- Up to date incident and emergency plan, procedures, communication protocols and contact details
- Prepare operational staff, on-call rosters and contingencies
- Ensure your organisation’s contact details are current – email drinkingwater.reporting@dlgwv.qld.gov.au with any updates or to check the information on record
- Test emergency power generation equipment and infrastructure and ensure you have at least three day’s supply of fuel
- Ensure an adequate stock of in-date treatment chemicals
- Review contingency arrangements for the loss of treatment capability, power, communications, chemical supplies or access to critical infrastructure
- Conduct pre-season refresher training to ensure staff are prepared
BoM Water Sector Climate and Water Briefing
The Bureau of Meteorology's Water Sector Services team held a Water Sector Climate and Water Briefing for the high-risk weather season last week.
Tamika Tihema, a climatologist in the Bureau of Meteorology, provided a national outlook of recent conditions, long-range forecasts, climate indicators and the high-risk weather season outlook.
Download the briefing pack here.