eFlash #510
Date: 03-Nov-2021
In this edition: Updated Queensland Water Fluoridation Code of Practice| Invitation to QUT Local Government Water Supply Challenges and Opportunities workshop| Fundamentals Webinar
1. Updated Queensland Water Fluoridation Code of Practice
Queensland Health is pleased to advise that the latest revision of Queensland’s Water Fluoridation Code of Practice, dated October 2021, is now available on the Queensland Health website.
Key changes to the 2021 document include:
- New simplified layout.
- Amendments to encompass the changes introduced by the Water Fluoridation Regulations 2020 – including the requirement for batch analysis certificates (required for each batch of fluoride prior to any of the batch being added to a water supply) to be issued by an Australian laboratory, accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities Australia (NATA), and the requirement to submit a notice of resumption of operation following a period of non-operation.
- Updates to referenced documents.
Please note that the 2021 document does not impose any new requirements on operators, beyond those specified in the current water fluoridation legislation (Water Fluoridation Act 2008 and Water Fluoridation Regulation 2020).
Please be aware, that in addition to the revision to the Code, Queensland Health has also prepared new versions of the approved forms that are available on the Queensland Health website to assist water providers to comply with their obligations under the water fluoridation regulatory framework (e.g. Notice of period of non-operation, Notice of resumption of fluoride dosing, Daily record sheets and the Fluoridated water quarterly report template). These are able to filled out electronically. However, as we are currently in the midst of a quarterly reporting statutory submission period, the decision has been taken to delay publication of the forms until mid-November when all quarterly reports for the period 1 July to 30 September 2021 should have been submitted. A further notification will be provided when the updated forms are available online.
Queensland Health would like to thank everyone that participated in the consultation process associated with preparation of the revised Code.
If you have any queries in relation to the update please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Queensland Health Water Unit via fluoride@health.qld.gov.au.
2. Invitation to QUT Local Government Water Supply Challenges and Opportunities workshop
Please join us for a workshop with local government water sector leaders and QUT researchers to develop a shared understanding of current water-related issues and identify collaborative opportunities to address these.
Workshop details
Date and time
Monday, 29 November 2021
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm AEST
Location
In-person at QUT Gardens Point Campus
2 George Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, or
Online via zoom (link will be emailed to you after registration)
Format
12:00 noon: Arrival, registration and networking lunch
12:30pm: Workshop start
3:00pm: Afternoon tea
4:00pm: Workshop concludes
Overview
With local government playing a crucial role in the supply of safe water - and climate, environmental and population changes forcing adaptations to safeguard water security for local communities across Queensland - QUT seeks to understand how these changes are impacting water management and provision at the local level.
Please join this workshop with local government water sector leaders and QUT researchers to identify the most pressing problems and priorities for different local councils, and to discuss initiatives being undertaken to address these.
The facilitated discussion will draw out key issues, present research being undertaking at QUT to address a range of water-related issues, prioritise challenges for local governments, and consider potential strategies to address these challenges.
3. Fundamentals Webinar - Register Now
Register now for our next Fundamentals Webinar on Tuesday, 16 November, 10am-11am, AEST with the topic ‘Seasonal Disaster Readiness’, presented by industry expert, Trevor Harvey.
More sessions will be hosted in 2022, with details coming soon. Keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page for details.
Recordings of all previous webinars are available to download on the qldwater website. Please contact webinar@qldwater.com.au with any queries about previous or future webinars or to discuss sponsorship opportunities.