Water Connections 2016

qldwater is proud to announce Dial Before You Dig as returning sponsor for the 2016  Water Connections Tour and IXOM as returning sponsor for the Best of the Best Water Taste Test.  

In 2016, the Water Connections Tour delegation visited North Queensland.

From 16 to 20 May qldwater had the pleasure of hosting the Water Connections Week delegation to visit Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Townsville City Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Whitsunday Regional Council and Mackay Regional Council.  The “tourists” included representatives from qldwater, LGAQ, Departments of Energy and Water Supply, Environment and Heritage Protection, and Health, along with Townsville City Council.  A big thanks to our hosts and our Water Connections Tour sponsor, Dial Before You Dig.

With a wide diversity in the places visited, a lot of different matters were discussed.  There was significant interest in regional collaboration, water security, compliance (especially environmental) and skilling and capacity.  Several councillors raised fluoridation, which had clearly been prominent around election time for their communities.

The major reason for this annual trip is to give members a chance to raise issues with senior government staff and to give those visitors a greater appreciation of what is needed to effectively deliver water and sewerage services.  It successfully achieved those objectives, as well as giving qldwater valuable input into projects and activities.  Particular thanks to Steve Gray and Mark Vis from Townsville City Council – losing a week from the day job is never easy but these gentlemen provided great advice and entertainment.  

2016 Itinerary