Skills eFlash #141 New
Date: 27-Nov-2025
In this edition: Award Winners 2025 | WSP Meeting Update | Water Skills Forum 2026 | Bulk Order - Manhole Safety Covers | Chlorine Gas Training | HPWJ | Hydro-Vac Training | QWIRG EOI
Announcing our 2025 Award Winners!
qldwater is proud to recognise outstanding individuals in the water industry through the Operator of the Year Awards, celebrating those who go above and beyond in service, innovation, and leadership. It is with great pleasure that we announce the winners of the 2025 Awards announced at the WIOA QLD Conference on Thursday, 30 October.
The 2025 Operator of the Year (Civil / Allrounder) Award goes to Wayne Siganto from Mareeba Shire Council.
With over 30 years of service, Wayne has been a pillar of excellence in water and wastewater operations. From mentoring new operators to leading emergency responses, like his swift action during Cyclone Jasper, Wayne exemplifies calm leadership, technical skill, and community spirit. His work across six treatment plants and his role in major upgrades have earned him deep respect across the industry.
Wayne receives a perpetual trophy for his council, a personal trophy, and $1,500 toward professional development. Congratulations, Wayne!
The Young Operator of the Yearis Matt Gosper from Mackay Regional Council.
Matt began his career as a Water Industry Worker Trainee and quickly rose through the ranks, now serving as a Water Treatment Operator at the Sarina Water Recycling Facility. His contributions span plant optimisation, safety initiatives, and leadership roles - all while actively volunteering in his local community and pursuing further studies in business and leadership.
Matt receives $1,500 toward professional development and will join the WIOA delegation on the next New Zealand tour. Congratulations, Matt!
WSP Meeting Update
Thank you to all who were able to join the Water Skills Partnership meeting on Thursday 13 November 2025.
Key items covered include:
- Region in Review – Balonne Shire Council: Overview of schemes, ageing infrastructure challenges, and cross-border operations.
- Field App (TechOne) – MidCoast Council (NSW): Practical insights on rolling out the Field App to outdoor staff, including offline functionality and GIS integration.
- BuildSkills Update & Case for Change: Win on the removal of the “five friends” requirement, plus ongoing concerns about documentation and training package alignment.
- swimlocal – Data for Operators: Using swimlocal for operational alerts, chlorine decay analysis, wet/dry day calculations, and annual reporting.
- Act vs Regulation – Authorised Person vs Competent Operator: Discussion on legislative confusion and the need for clear DWQMP-defined competencies.
- TAE for NWP Supervisors: Confirmation that a full cohort of 10 supervisors has been secured for a fast-tracked, water-specific TAE starting in February (pending funding finalisation).
- High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) & Asbestos Testing: Upcoming testing at South Burnett to support a WHSQ-endorsed, evidence-based approach for low-flow, higher-pressure jetting on AC pipes.
- qldwater Industry Cards: Ongoing use of Aqua, Brown, Green, Grey and Teal cards to support operator development.
The next WSP meeting is scheduled for February 2026 (exact date to follow in a calendar invite).
If you have any corrections to the minutes or additional items you’d like on the agenda for the next meeting, please email Sarah.
Water Skills Forum 2026
Save the date for the next annual Water Skills Forum which will be held at the qldwater offices in Eagle Farm on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
The theme Training Today, Sustaining Tomorrow will set the scene for the day. Keep an eye on future eFlashes and the qldwater Upcoming Events page for more information.
Bulk Order – Manhole Safety Covers
We are coordinating a bulk purchase of manhole safety covers to support safe access to drain assets. MASS Products offer a range of covers suitable for multiple applications, and we are aiming to secure the best possible pricing for councils through a consolidated order. If you would like to view the digital brochure or participate in the bulk purchase, please let Sarah know.
Chlorine Gas Training – EOI for 2026
We are seeking expressions of interest for next year’s chlorine gas training, including both the accredited liquefied chlorine gas course and the non-accredited hypochlorite training. Sessions are planned for early next year. If your council has staff requiring this training, please contact Sarah to discuss your needs.
High Pressure Water Jetting – Scheduling for Early 2026
We are beginning to book numbers for HPWJ training in early February next year. If your team requires initial training or refreshers, please get in touch so we can begin building the training block.
Hydro-Vac Training
If your council operates a Vac truck, please check whether your staff are due for their bi-annual refresher. We also offer training for new operators. Please contact Sarah to discuss availability and scheduling.
Queensland Water Industry Reference Group EOI
The Queensland Water Industry Reference Group is now seeking Expressions of Interest for 2025-26!
Want to contribute to the Queensland Governments training and skills priorities and provide a strong voice for the water sector?
The Queensland Water Industry Reference Group provides a central coordination point for industry skills and jobs advice to the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
Representatives from Councils, businesses that employ treatment plant operators, water workforce and skills leaders, laboratory water stakeholders, cyber/SCADA/process optimisation fans, those with a passion for emerging industry and future sectoral skills needs are all encouraged to apply. Spaces are limited.
EOI’s close on 9 January 2026.
The Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor Program is funded and supported by the Queensland Government. More information on the Program can be found here.