Town Water Risk Reduction Program 

NEWSLETTER ISSUE #11 | MARCH 2022

Welcome to the March edition of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program newsletter. 

Release of the draft improved regulatory framework 

The department is partnering with the water sector to improve our regulatory settings and approaches to enable local water utilities manage risks and priorities in urban water systems more strategically and effectively and, as a result, reduce risks in regional NSW communities over time.

The consultation draft of the regulatory framework for local water utilities is now available for feedback. When finalised and gazetted by the Minister for Lands and Water, the draft regulatory framework will replace the 2007 Best-Practice Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Guidelines.  

The draft regulatory framework was designed in collaboration with stakeholders in the local water utilities sector, including utilities, utility regulators and the private sector. The framework is based on the actions for change and collaboration mechanisms identified in the department’s Roadmap to an improved regulatory framework for local water utilities.

How you can submit feedback

There are two ways to provide feedback:

• respond to our survey
• provide a written submission by emailing regional.town.water@dpie.nsw.gov.au 

The deadline for feedback is 30 April 2022.

Webinar

We are holding a webinar to present an overview of the draft regulatory framework on Tuesday 12 April at 10am. Register to attend. We will record the webinar for those that are unable to attend.  

Councillor induction webinar

We are excited to be presenting the councillor induction webinar Water: make it your business, on Saturday 23 April 2022. We encourage new and experienced councillors to attend this webinar that will focus on the importance of water services to regional communities, and the role and responsibilities of councillors.

Registration is via the Office of Local Government’s ‘Hit the Ground Running’ councillor induction webinar series.

14th WIOA NSW Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition

The NSW Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition is returning to the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre on 6 & 7 April 2022. After a couple of years of postponements, this highly anticipated and important event for the water industry will bring together people in operational roles in the water industry together to update their knowledge and skills and learn about the latest advancements in processes, technology and equipment.

Erin Cini from the Town Water Risk Reduction Program is delivering the Opening Address and Brendan Guiney from the NSW Water Directorate will make the Keynote Address on training issues for the water industry.

The Program includes:

• Nearly 30 platform and poster presentations on a wide range of topics.
• 110 expo sites filled by many of the world's leading companies showcasing the latest in technology, equipment and processes for the water industry.
• NSW/ACT Best Tasting Tap Water competition.
• WIOA NSW Main Tapping competition.

If you're an operator, manager, engineer, consultant or professional, someone who is working in the water industry, or someone that just has an interest in water, then this is a must attend event. For the full program or to download the delegate registration form visit the WIOA website. WIOA realises that not everyone can attend as a delegate, so entry to the exhibition is free.

NSW Young Water Professional of the Year

Congratulations to Michael Carter, Principal Process Engineer at Hunter H2O, for taking out the Young Water Professional of the Year Award at the New South Wales Australian Water Association Water Awards. Michael is a member of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program’s Technical Assessment and Approvals Working Group.

Michael is a passionate and inspiring young principal engineer, with a vision for all water supplies across regional NSW to be safe and resilient. Still a farm boy at heart, his regional background has cultivated meaningful impact throughout the water industry and has inspired collaboration across divisions.

Further information and feedback

Visit the Town Water Risk Reduction Program website for more detailed information.

Have your say

For more information or enquires please email the team at regional.town.water@dpie.nsw.gov.au