Message from CEO

Welcome to the June edition of the Queensland Water Newsletter.

It was with pleasure that I commenced with the Directorate on 29 May with an action packed agenda as the team prepared for the Water Skills Forum on 8 June and an SPG meeting on 9 June. These two events provided an opportunity to meet some of our members and partners (government and industry) and, importantly, engage in conversations concerning the challenges and opportunities for the water sector. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of qldwater and we plan make this year’s Annual Forum one to remember as we reflect on the past decades and look to the future of the sector.

Over the past year, the Directorate has experienced a lot of change and I start my new role with the clear understanding that we are entering a rebuilding phase after the loss of some key staff last year, and more recently the announcement by Linda Roberts that she would not be able to renew her employment contract due to personal circumstances.

The immense pressure that Linda was under as she took the reins as interim CEO shortly after accepting the Director, Innovation Partnerships role, cannot be underestimated.

Over the past eight months, Linda made significant contributions to both the team and our members, overseeing a number of key projects including the renewal of the Queensland Water Regional Alliance

by Georgina Davis, Chief Executive Officer

Program (QWRAP), advocacy for and participation in the first cross-government urban water sector group, onboarding new staff and leading the team in the successful delivery of the 2023 Water Connections Tour and Water Skills Forum - more information and photos in this edition.

I am very mindful of the criticality of Linda’s role and thank her for offering to continue her employment arrangements to facilitate the appointment of a new candidate to take on management of the QWRAP program.

One of my first priorities in the CEO role was to prepare for member invoices to go out before the end of the financial year, along with our Capability Statement for 2022/23. The publication, available from this link, identifies our key priorities for the year ahead and provides an overview of work completed over the past year – see some of the highlights on the next page.

I have joined an amazing team and a well-developed, much respected organisation delivering numerous essential services for the water sector and we will ensure that our members’ voices are heard whether in boardrooms at 1 William Street, in Council Chambers or on a remote treatment plant in the far-flung corners of our State.

Until next time,

Georgina Davis