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awa News “AWA is particularly pleased with the focus the Queensland Government has placed on developing our knowledge and skills in the sector, and exploiting these through innovation and technology,” said Mr McKeown. “AWA is also focusing on the promotion of the water industry’s innovative technologies and we look forward to working with the Queensland Government as they further realise these actions, particularly the Innovation Panel.” The Association is, however, disappointed that drinking recycled water was noted as being off the table as a supply option. “The Association believes in the importance of having a diversified portfolio of supply options, one of which is recycled water. It is disappointing that the 30-year Strategy rules it out completely, thus removing the opportunity for customers and communities to make fully informed decisions,” said Mr McKeown. The Association looks forward to working with the Queensland Government and our broad industry members to ensure that details are further developed, key actions are implemented and priority outcomes are achieved.
• $500,000 to undertake feasibility studies and prepare business cases for priority water security infrastructure projects that enhance town water security across regional NSW. The Association agrees with the Government that improving regional infrastructure now will not only assist in drought-proofing regional NSW, but also has the potential to improve the productivity of our agricultural land. However, AWA Chief Executive, Jonathan McKeown, says that it is imperative that the NSW Government doesn’t just look to dams to satisfy water security needs. “Dams are not the only solution to securing water supplies in our regions. The Government needs to ensure that it makes informed decisions on the best water security opportunity for each location. “A portfolio of options including water efficiency programs, alternative water sourcing and education are all other mechanisms that should be considered, aside from just building expensive new dams that have the potential for negative environmental consequences. “Further, it needs to be ensured that investment is not just spent in large water infrastructure projects, but also looks to address the deficiencies in drinking water quality, wastewater treatment and capacity to meet the growing populations of our regional areas,” said Mr McKeown.
yes To dollars, NoT JUsT To daMs AWA welcomes the money reserved in the recent NSW Budget to fund initiatives that secure urban water supplies and to droughtproof regional communities. Some key water investments in the NSW Budget include: • $700 million to maintain, renew and upgrade critical infrastructure across Sydney’s water network; • $39 million to upgrade and install town water and sewerage service; • $12 million to improve water and sewerage services for 61 Aboriginal communities in NSW; • $17 million to scope infrastructure projects in the Murray-Darling Basin that will further the State’s ability to meet water-saving requirements under the Basin Plan; • $1 million towards scoping and feasibility studies for the construction of a new dam on the Belubula River;
AWA hopes to work with the NSW Government as they decide where best the investment is spent in an effort to ensure NSW’s ongoing economic prosperity.
sMall WaTer aNd WasTeWaTer sysTeMs NaTIoNal coNFereNce 2014 The Small Water and Wastewater Systems National Conference will take place in Newcastle from 13–15 August. Don’t miss this event for industry personnel, with a three-day program featuring leading experts and peer sharing of great practice; great networking opportunities including the conference dinner; and a trade table exhibition showcasing the latest products and services for the SWWS industry.
Field • Laboratory • Process
Automatic Titrators
• Chlorine • Turbidity
Instruments for up to 40 Other Parameters
For more information call 03 9769 0666 Fax: 03 9769 0699
Email: sales@hannainst.com.au
water august 2014
• pH • DO • EC • Turbidity
Chlorine Analysers
Web: www.hannainst.com.au & www.hannachecker.com.au
pH/ORP/EC Controllers & Probes