Operator Magazine | October 2024 by Water Industry Operations Association of Australia

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From the CEO Desk

Welcome to the October Edition of Operator, as we focus on our upcoming events, awards, and the amazing people that form the WIOA community.

It is an exciting time at WIOA, and I would like to make a special call out some to our WIOA Groups and Committees that include our super special volunteers, supporting our future trajectory. These groups consist of:

• our Victorian Network Operator Development Program (NODP) Advisory Group

• Diversity & Inclusion Group

• National Executive/General Manager Group

• State/Territory Advisory Committees

• National Advisory Committee

• the Board.

I would like to personally thank each individual that donates their time in supporting our beloved organisation.

This month I would like to call out our 2024 Board that has two new members and one new Board member on the way. Our Board Deputy Chair is spotlighted in this edition (below). We also raise our glass to two highly decorated Board members that are departing the Board.

Departing

2024 Board Members:

• Ron Bergmeier, 17/03/2021 – 12/11/2024. Current: Nominations Committee Member, Life Member, IDIOT

• John Harris, 18/03/2020 - 29/05/2024. Current: Nominations Committee Member, Life Member, IDIOT

SPOTLIGHT

Meet Mark Samblebe

Current Board Members:

• Mat Greskie, Board Chair 8/05/2023

- current (Tasmania)

• Mark Samblebe, Board Deputy Chair 17/03/2021 - current (Victoria)

• Sally Shepherd, Board Director 31/05/2023

- current (New South Wales)

• Rachael Miller, Board Director 29/05/2024

- current (Western Australia)

• Robert Scott, Board Director 29/05/2024

- current (New South Wales)

• Vacant – to be announced at our November AGM

I hope you enjoy reading this edition.

All the best,

Dean Barnett Chief Executive Officer WIOA

Scan the code to learn more about the WIOA Board on our website

Mark’s committee involvement dates back to 2014, as well as being a past WIOA Incorporated President in 2021-23. His commitment to WIOA continues in the capacity of Board Deputy Chair. Mark has presented a number of papers at WIOA conferences dating back to 2003, and he was a Hepburn prize recipient in 2007.

Mark has extensive experience in water, wastewater and solid waste optimisation, operation and management, and has previously worked at two Victorian water corporations, small and large private sector water engineering businesses before establishing MBS Water in 2017. He has a passion for process optimisation, development and design and a strong focus on operator involvement and development.

WIOA Membership Recognition

The WIOA Board has approved an updated nomination and selection process for our prestigious reward and recognition programs for our association members, Life Membership and IDIOTS (Inducted as Delegates of the Inextricably Obstructed Tap Society) award.

Life Membership

The WIOA Life Member is our highest member acknowledgement, to an individual who has provided active service over many years. Life Members have the right to:

• receive notice of and attend any General Meeting;

• vote at any General Meetings that is held

• propose resolutions for consideration at a General Meeting; and

• be nominated for election as a Director if eligible for nomination.

To date, we would like to acknowledge our 11 Life Members for their amazing and impactful contributions to WIOA.

Life Member nomination and selection process:

1. Nominations will be received via our National Advisory Committee, State/Territory Advisory Committees, the WIOA CEO and Managers. Board Directors may also nominate suitable candidates.

2. The Board (or nominated Board Committee) will shortlist nominees and make the final decision.

Life Member evaluation process and minimum eligibility criteria:

• Served a minimum of 10 years of service to the Association, either as an individual member or as an employee of a corporate member

• A demonstrated list of activity at WIOA, which may consist of the following involvement

– Volunteering and promoting events

– Group, Committee or Board appointments

– Active in other ways, publication reviews, membership drive

• Previous WIOA Acknowledgement – Award winner – IDIOT

• Documented water industry service, with a focus on the impact to the operations sector

• The member must hold a high level of respect amongst their peers, the WIOA membership, plus demonstrate a high level of integrity.

IDIOTS

WIOA’s second most prestigious award is the IDIOTS (Inducted as Delegates of the Inextricably Obstructed Tap Society) award. This award is presented to an individual in recognition of their commitment to the vision and philosophies of the Association, and the active promotion of WIOA through distinguished service to the Association.

Since 2004, we have proudly inducted 43 WIOA IDIOTS. We thank them for their long term commitment to WIOA and ongoing contributions to the water industry.

IDIOTS nomination and selection process:

1. A nominee can be any member of WIOA who meets the minimum IDIOT criteria. The Board will seek nominations from the National Advisory Committee, the State Advisory Committees, the WIOA CEO and Managers. Board Directors may also nominate suitable candidates.

2. The Board (or nominated Board Committee) will shortlist nominees and make the final decision.

IDIOTS evaluation process and minimum eligibility criteria:

• Served a minimum of 5 years of service to the Association, either as an individual member or as an employee of a corporate member

• Displayed important attributes such as: – to selflessly share WIOA’s interests and goals – encouraging others to participate in WIOA events – promoting the association to both corporate and individuals

– to have actively played a part in WIOA’s events and committees

• Consideration for candidates across all States and Territories

You can nominate members for these programs on our website, please scan the QR code to learn more or complete nomination forms:

Remembering Tony Hourigan

Tony Hourigan was a friend to everyone at WIOA. He was a gentleman, a fierce advocate for what WIOA stood for, an honest and considerate person and a mentor to many. There are not many photos of Tony in the archives because he put everyone else first. His greatest satisfaction was seeing others achieving and being recognised. Tony will be sadly missed by the WIOA Board, Committees, members, exhibitors and volunteers who shared time with him.

Tony could be best described as energetic, enthusiastic, honest, loyal, compassionate, humble, fair, inquisitive, personable, with a good dose of creative ingenuity. Since becoming ill some 22 months ago, we must add strength, courage and bravery to the list.

It seems that Tony had been an exhibitor at WIOA events for ever, with his caring and sharing personality and professional attitude. That all changed in 2007 when WIOA created WIOA LTD, a company limited by guarantee so that we could operate on a national basis. There was a requirement to nominate four founding members to become the inaugural directors. Tony was approached to fill one of the positions and instantly agreed. Tony brought a wealth of experience to the Board from his corporate activities, plain common sense and knowing what is right and what is wrong.

At the time Tony was working as a sales manager for a chemical dosing manufacturer. He was dressed to impress as he always was when “on the clock”. His product knowledge was amazing, and he was surely a man who not only knew what the products did, but exactly how they did it.

He treated everyone with equal respect, no question was off limits and his explanations were always on point. He addressed everyone he met with the same enthusiasm and willingness to listen, be they CEO, manager or labourer. At the WIOA conferences, Tony engaged with everyone and wanted to know their story. He loved to hear of people doing well and celebrated their success with further encouragement.

As one of the four founding members of WIOA LTD, Tony helped drive the early expansion and commercialisation of the organisation from a Victorian based entity, to what is now a national body with over 4,000 members across every state and territory

He volunteered his time and energy freely and willingly, while as a director he demonstrated an excellent business acumen. He participated in WIOA in many ways, from the board to ground roots, chairing the inaugural Tasmanian Advisory Committee. Always promoting the purpose of WIOA with passion and positivity.

He freely shared his technical knowledge through being a lead author of the WIOA Practical Guide to the Operation and Optimisation of Chlorine and Chloramine Disinfection.

His contribution to the industry through his efforts with WIOA and his day to day employment has been exceptional, and his wisdom and jovial nature has embodied the WIOA spirit and core values 150%.

This has been recognised by the association, with Tony being awarded a Life membership in 2023, and having been “Inducted as a Delegate of the Inextricably Obstructed Tap Society in 2004. (IDIOTS) a title bestowed on those with us most dedication and commitment to the cause.

On a lighter note.

A highlight of his creative ingenuity, innovation, marketing skills and ability to think outside the box was demonstrated at a WIOA Conference. He came up with a brilliant way to showcase the innovative advancements with the modern digital dosing pump. Come time for predinner drinks, he ensured he had a meals area front row exhibition stand, then set up his classy new dosing pumps to deliver a set 30ml volume at the press of a button.

He then primed each pump (4 or 5 from memory) with a variety of drinks; vodka, scotch, gin, rum and perhaps even a bit of tequila. As you could imagine, he attracted quite the crowd and everyone was impressed, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an exhibition stand attract the foot traffic he got in WIOA’s history.

Unfortunately, it only lasted one conference. There were a few legalities like liquor licensing laws and responsible serving of alcohol regulations that caught up with him. Which he naturally took on the chin, while mischievously grinning and chuckling about the fact he got it through once! His unique exhibition display is still talked about today.

Tony had a passion for supporting, encouraging and mentoring people to be who they are, and where they are today. Those that knew Tony are thankful to have had the privilege of sharing such amazing times with him.

Tony had a truly positive outlook on everything, even while going through his treatment process. He had an aging VW Kombi Van that he restored and took across to the mainland for a trip through Gippsland and up to Coffs Harbour. Despite having numerous mechanical issues, he completed the trip and visited friends and family on the way. Tony was actively contributing to WIOA within the last two weeks of his life. Knowing Tony, he would have felt obligated to do his part as usual. He also somehow found the time and energy to undertake a seven day walk cross the Overlander Track from Cradle Mountain to lake Sinclair Tasmania, and even completed the Burney 10, a 10 km fun run while undergoing treatment. There are also recent photos of Tony really enjoying a jam session with his beloved band members. Music was a big part of Tony’s life, although not as big as his love and devotion to his wife Louise and son James, to whom we offer our sincerest condolences and best wishes.

For many, Tony will be very sadly missed, but he will also be joyfully remembered forever.

Tony’s involvement with AWWOA, WIOA and Australian Water Industry

• 1998 Joined WIOA in April

– Assisted in the formative days of WIOA in NSW & QLD by volunteering as a conference and event helper

– Regular attendee at seminars and events and did several presentations on the maintenance and operation of chlorination systems

– Instrumental in establishing and helping to promote WIOA’s position and standing within the Tasmanian and the Australian water industry

– Assisted by mentoring and encouraging the various Tasmanian Advisory Committee Chairs and Committee Members being a sounding board for them to bounce their ideas off

• Early 1990s Involved with WIOA in Victoria as an exhibitor at the conferences. Helped to promote the conference widely and encouraged operator attendance through his roles with companies such as Acromet, Alldos, Grundfos, Aeramix, Hydramet and TRILITY.

• 2004 Recognised as one of 5 Inaugural IDIOTS members

• 2006 Attended and assisted with the inaugural NZ tour

• 2007 Became a WIOA Ltd Member

• 2007 to 2016 WIOA Board member for 10 consecutive years

• 2009 Co-author of WIOA’s Disinfection Practical Guide book

• 2010 Inaugural member of WIOA’s Tasmanian Advisory Committee. Has provided continual service to now – a total of 13 years, rarely missing a meeting or a WIOA event in Tasmania

• Since 2010 Assisted with the organisation and staging of nearly every event held in Tasmania under the WIOA banner

Share your jobs with our network

Our Jobs board lists a wide variety of job roles with careers available for both tertiary and trade qualified people working in fields such as operations, engineering, financial, administration and IT across Australia.

Scan the QR code to submit your job listing to be approved and published to the WIOA Jobs Board.

2025 Membership Renewals

Keep an eye out for your 2025 WIOA Membership this December, as our membership is based on a calendar year. We anticipate an increase in membership costs, while maintaining the lowest water industry member rates across the country, while continuing to increase our service offerings.

You will receive more information in late November, early December.

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2024 WIOA Queensland Water Operations Industry Conference and Exhibition

That’s a wrap! We made some exciting changes, showcased Operators and the Water Operations Sector to provide professional development and networking opportunities!

With the announcement of winners, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them for their well-deserved achievements. A special thank you goes to our Sponsors—your support has been invaluable, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Our key event highlights included, keynote presentations, delivery of operationally focused Paper and Poster Presentation, a exhibition hall of over 115 sites, the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water - Water of Origin Competition, meet the Exhibitors dinner, Women of Water Breakfast, our Main Tapping Competition and the 2024 WIOA QLD Awards Gala Dinner

Congratulations to all the 2024 Winners at the QLD Gala Awards Night!

160 Exhibiting attendees

140 Delegates

200 Visitors

1,445 Leads generated

Best Paper by an Operator

Chris Brown & Alysha Di Martino, Seqwater

Best Operator Poster Brendan Minto, Seqwater

2024 QLD Operator of the Year Winner

Josh Van Hout, Bundaberg Regional Council

Main Tapping Winner City of Gold Coast, Dan & Tom

Ixom Water of Origin Winner

NSW Rous County Council

2024 QLD Civil/All Rounder Operator of the Year Winner

Ross Watt, Gympie Regional Council

Best Exhibitor Site Novolabs

2024 QLD Young Operator of the Year

Luke Reid, Bundaberg Regional Council

Best Paper Overall

Alysha Di Martino & Chris Brown, Seqwater

TOUR WRAP UP

2024 New Zealand WIOA Tour

It was an exciting time, as our highly prestigious state and territory award winners come together for the first time and travel over the ditch to New Zealand.

While being nominated by your organisation for a WIOA award is such an acknowledgement, passing through the judging panel, and then being crowned your State Operator of the Year, Young Operator of the Year, or winning the PASS (Problem Accepted Solution Supplied) National Award, with the prize being a personal development opportunity to attend the annual WIOA New Zealand Study Tour to the value of $3,500.

This is a great opportunity to bring the best of the best from each state on a tour around New Zealand, that consisted of water industry highlights, like visiting water treatment and wastewater treatment plants, learning about indigenous engagement, and attending the Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) NZ Conference, Exhibition, President’s and Awards Dinner, where we put up our national best tasting tap water winner, TasWater’s Fern Tree WTP up against the New Zealand national best tasting tap water winner, can you imagine the banter. The result was a draw which was a very unique experience, and I guess both nations can say that we both won? We also submitted a team in the WIOG NZ water main tapping competition, with a study tour member participating as a water taste testing judge, which was on TV and the front page of the paper. We certainly got involved.

While that was the business end of the trip, the group enjoyed some go karting and having some down time to see the sites.

By default, this sets up an informal network that continues to share information, provide updates, and ask questions of each other. A great way to build relationships and share knowledge.

We would also like to acknowledge our long and strong relationship with the Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) NZ, as we continue to collaborate, host, and support the operation sector.

In closing, we would like to congratulate our prestigious award winners, being our Operator of the Year, Young Operator of the Year, and PASS (Problem Accepted Solution Supplied) National Award winner, while also acknowledging all nominations, as you also have been recognised by your organisation.

With all of us officially meeting up for the first time at the Wellington airport the groups networking got off to a bit of a slow start, with everyone waiting around for the crew but not

knowing who to look for lol. But that never lasted long as the combination of the NZ hosts and the relaxed agenda allowed for all to meet, and begin to swap industry stories and experiences.

“The trip was really easy going and relaxing while still being really informative, interesting and fun.”

We had a good balance during the tour of plant tours and tourist stops. It was great to have some inside knowledge of where to get a good feed etc ie. burger joint on the HWY.

The hospitality from the NZ operators that welcomed us into their plants, answered our questions was awesome and we even had a traditional song performed at the Palmerston North WTP. Thanks Luke.

The WIOG Conference in New Plymouth was well organised and the Aussies were made welcome by all. We put a team in the tapping and pipework comps, getting runner up both times (due to the time difference and home ground advantage lol). We were represented in the taste testing with the aussie judge making the TV and front page of the paper. The Papers delivered were very interesting and one thing that was made apparent was the water industry has similar struggles/issues and solutions/ingenuity no matter what side of the ditch.

At the end of the week we had gone from a group of strangers with similar jobs to a group that was a bit sad for it all to end. We had a great debrief in Auckland prior to heading our separate ways and I have no doubt that the memories will last for a while.

We would also like to make a call out to all of our members to get your nominations in for the 2025 awards, see our website:

“Our WIOG NZ tour guides were very knowledgeable about the NZ water industry, and it was great to pick their brains for a week.”

“It was great to network with other operators and also attend the WIOG NZ conference.”

for

but was allocated to any individual for the day.

Bruce who is our WIOG Tour Guide is also providing the study group with an overview of their indigenous engagement process for a new project and lessons learnt.

Two of our study tour members participating in the Water Industry Operations Group NZ Conference water main tapping competition.

The study tour group with our WIOG tour guides touring a water treatment plant

A local indigenous acknowledgement prior to our treatment plant BBQ breakfast. Note the Koala hat was not worn

warmth,

A New Zealand Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator providing an overview of the treatment plant process to our study tour group.

2024 Women of Water Breakfast in Queensland

On Wednesday 24th July 2024, twenty-five women from across the water industry of Queensland gathered for the inaugural Women of Water breakfast. Women came from across the state, collectively at the beautiful Harmony café on the Sunshine Coast. This was a fantastic opportunity to connect, be inspired by like-minded women where operators, administrators, sales reps, engineers, and coordinators, spoke about their profession whilst getting to know one another. It was exciting for those experienced and new to the industry to liaise with each other about culture, knowledge, skills, and experiences to broaden working networks and have a bit of fun along the way.

An appreciative thank you to MASS Products for creating this opportunity as sponsors and for helping to create such a meaningful morning for women of water.

Industry professionals delivering industry-based training services

Register for Certificates II, III and IV in Water Industry Operations using code WIOA_2024 to receive access to bonus online courses.

E: training@trility.com.au W: trility.axcelerate.com.au

The Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) has launched a new and improved website aligning with our highly anticipated 2024 digitisation strategy. Scan the code above to check it out! W e ’ v e L a u n c h e d a

New Website

WIOA Interest Days around Australia

WIOA Interest Days are designed for a more intimate setting of between 25 – 50 attendees, sharing information via presentations and demonstrations, followed by a site tour. We have been busy nationally with our Interest Day program. Since our last edition of Operator and have run the following Interest Days:

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

In June 2024, we had some thought-provoking presentations, followed by the fiercely contested IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in South Australia. We received 22 entries and the winner, going back-to-back, was BHP Olympic Dam Desalination Plant. Thanks to our WIOA South Australian Advisory Committee, SA Water for hosting us, Service Stream as our lunch Sponsor and ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd Australia as our Interest Day Partner.

VICTORIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In June 2024, we held our first WIOA Interest Day at the Water Corporations Balcatta office, with almost 50 in attendance from the Water Corporation, AqWest, Busselton Water, Rio Tinto, Trility and many other organisations. Congratulations to our newly formed WIOA Western Australian Advisory Committee for arranging your first and successful event, while supporting WIOA in the West.

Our networking lunch was sponsored by Dredging Solutions, with the venue and site tour sponsored by the Water Corporation. ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd Australia is our Interest Day Partner.

The day concluded after a site tour of the Subiaco wastewater treatment plant.

In August 2024, we ran our Interest Day at Greater Western Water’s Training Academy. The presentations consisted of an update on WIOA’s Network Operator Development Program (NODP) Victoria, Victoria’s state-based approach to the water industry training needs, and Greater Western Water’s Nanobubble Trial.

The day concluded after a site tour of the Training Academy. Thank you to Greater Western Water for hosting the day and ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd Australia as our Interest Day Partner.

To learn more about our upcoming interest days, please visit wioa.org.au/events

Queensland Charity Bowls Day

YANDINA, SUNSHINE COAST QLD

QUEENSLAND

In June 2024, we were out at Central Highlands Regional Council in Emerald, QLD where we had some information sharing via the presentation program followed by a site tour.

In October 2024, we were out at Seqwater’s Wivenhoe Dam (pictured). The presentations were from WIOA CEO Dean Barnett – WIOA your association, Tim Lawrence – Seqwater’s Dam Safety Management Program, Dan Sedunary – The Somerset and Wivenhoe Story: Management of Multi Use Catchments and Dams to Supply Brisbane’s Drinking Water, and Alan Shea Goulburn Murray Water Victoria – Practical Safety on old structures. A highlight of the Interest Day was the guided tour of Wivenhoe Dam, where attendees had the chance to see first-hand the operations and infrastructure that support one of Queensland’s key water supply systems.

Thank you to seqwater for hosting the day and our National Interest Day Partner, ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd Australia

Congratulations to our WIOA Queensland Advisory Committee on another successful Qld Charity Interest Day. Funds raised will go to supporting the WIOA Team’s WaterAid Australia Walk for Water.

We kicked off the day with some informative presentations, followed by our networking lunch and then into the main event, charity bowls at the Yandina Bowls Club.

Congratulations to Team McBerns Gold as the bowling day winners.

Thank you to our Naming Sponsor McBerns Innovative Solutions, our Gold Sponsors Gympie Regional Council, Pensar Infrastructure, Xylem ANZ and Amiad Water Systems - Australia & New Zealand, our Team Sponsors Hach and Control Components Pty Ltd and our National Interest Day Partner ProMinent Group, who also provided raffle prizes to support the charity raffle.

NEW SOUTH WALES

In NSW we were at Sydney Water’s Purified Recycled Water (PRW) Discovery Centre in Quakers Hill. With 50 members in attendance the day offered attendees the opportunity to understand the PRW treatment technology, while networking and sharing ideas and learnings.

It was also an opportunity for Operators from across Australia to learn about how Sydney Water is engaging our customers, communities, and stakeholders about PRW, and how it could help to secure Greater Sydney’s water supply in the future. As part of the visit, attendees toured the Quakers Hill Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) followed by the Discovery Centre. This provided an opportunity to see the full journey of how we can treat wastewater to create purified recycled water.

Following the tours, attendees heard from Senior Project Manager, James Harrington; Stella Modyanto, Senior Process Engineer and Caitlin Neill, Production Officer. They presented on our ‘Securing our Water Supply – Quakers Hill to Prospect’ project, collaboration with our regulators, as well as sharing on the job experiences working in the PRW space at this exciting time.

Thank you to Sydney Water as our venue host sponsor and our National Interest Day Partner, ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd Australia. Calling

WANT TO host a future interest day?

The WIOA State / Territory Advisory Committees decide on the programs for their State or Territory. However, if you are a water company that has a suitable venue that can cater for up to 40 – 60 people and would like to showcase your site as part of a site tour. we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact us at info@wioa.org.au, and we will take your offer to the relevant Advisory Committee for consideration.

EMPLOYEES WANT TO ATTEND A future interest day?

Our upcoming interest days, conferences, site tours and more can be found on our website. Scan the QR code below to see our extensive events calendar, which also includes other events happening with the Australian water industry:

Super Interest Days

In 2024, we have introduced Super Interest Days, which includes an expanded program including award presentations for Operator of the Year and Young Operator of the Year, the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Competition and the Water Main Tapping Competition.

TASMANIA

On Tuesday 24th September, WIOA held their first Super Interest Day in Devonport, Tasmania. This event was attended by over 80 water industry personnel in the Devenport area, which included presentations, a site tour, Main Tapping Competition and the state’s Best Tasting Tap Water Competition for Tasmania.

We had six teams showcase their skills in the Reece+Viadux Main Tapping Competition of Tasmania. The West Coast tappers regained their title and will now go to the National Final this November in Melbourne.

We received 15x entries from across Tasmania for the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Competition. As this title is highly competitive and sort after. Once the heat was completed, there were three clear standouts that went into a final. The winner, and for the third year in a row was the

Team from Fern Tree WTP. The National Final will be held in Hobart in late November where Fern Tree will look to go back-to-back as Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water.

We also used this Super Interest Day to recognise and award standout operators within the Tasmanian Water Industry.

Congratulations to Leigh Rush, who won the 2024 Tasmanian Operator of the Year with a standout application. Additionally, congratulations to Chris K who was recognised as the 2024 The Tasmanian Young Operator of the Year. Chris was a standout nominee, who was nominated by several members of his community echoing how highly regarded he is within his profession. WIOA congratulates Chris on taking out the award, which is now named in honour of late WIOA Life Member Tony Hourigan.

WEstern Australia

On Wednesday 2nd October, WIOA held its second Interest Day in Perth, at the North Metropolitan Tafe in East Perth. Around 50 water industry personnel came together to view great presentations, WA’s Best Tasting Tap Water Competition as well as the inaugural Main Tapping Competition.

This was the first year, WIOA brought the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition to Western Australia. Highly sort after and in a close competition, the winner was the team from Water Corporation in Dalyellup, WA.

We also held the Inaugural Reece+Viadux Main Tapping Competition for WA. Using a different rig to the eastern states, it was a great opportunity to showcase the event. With six teams vying for the title, the PRFS Water team secured the win by 2 seconds.

Digital practical guides now available

Our suite of practical guides are available for sale and easy access reading online. Proceeds directly fund content updates by subject matter experts and enable the delivery of updated training sessions and materials. Before you purchase each guide you can view or download a PDF of the content overview for each guide. If you have any questions or if you would like to purhcase hardcopy practical guides please reach out to the WIOA team at info@wioa.org.au

FRIENDLY PUMPING

2024 QLD Indigenous LG Drinking Water Symposium

Following the endorsement of WIOA’s first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Action Plan in May 2024, WIOA decided to run a seminar in a First Nation region. As part of WIOA’s 3-year Growth Strategy, this CSR Action plan aims to support First Nations regions through the provision of additional resources, training and networking opportunities to aid the development and operations of their remote water systems and services.

In early June, WIOA’s CEO Dean Barnett attended the 2024 Queensland Indigenous Local Government Drinking Water Symposium on Thursday Island to support and implement this new initiative.

The 3-day symposium was run by Queensland Health and hosted by Torres Shire Council covered all aspects of supplying a safe drinking water service – from raw water quality and risk assessments to water treatment technologies, distribution maintenance and regulation.

Dean’s seminar included the distribution of WIOA’s Practical Guide to the Operation and Optimisation of Distribution Systems to approximately 50 indigenous and remote water and wastewater operations staff, that deliver services to remote communities across Far North Queensland as well as an interactive activity where the shared knowledge of Indigenous water operators was used to complete a risk assessment of drinking water services.

WIOA also extended an invitation to an indigenous operator from the symposium, to attend the 2024 WIOA Queensland Conference and Expo held in the Sunshine Coast the following month. With a full delegate pass, this operator was able to access 2-days of special speaker and poster presentations delivered by water specialists within the Queensland water industry as well as visit the expo hall of over 115 exhibitors.

A group tour of a local island reservoir.

Practical side of the training seminar, and our Dean being taught how to use the mythical method divining rods to locate underground water services.

Theoretical part of our ¾ day training seminar on the Operation and Optimisation of Distribution Systems.

Meet Wayne Neale, Operator from Barwon Water

Tell us a bit about your career journey?

I was working as a maintenance fitter in a quarry and was looking for a change. I saw a job advertised in the paper for 12 years ago for an operator at Barwon Water, and to be honest, had no idea what that really was, or that there was a water industry. I applied for the job and have never looked back. It has not been so much a career change, but a lifestyle change for me.

In your experience, what are some of the most pressing water quality challenges or issues facing the region or industry you work in, and how have you addressed them in your role?

One particular issue we have seen recently is the appearance of blue green algae in the Wurdee Boluc reservoir, which is the main water supply for the Geelong region, and something we have not seen before. My team and I have been involved in the installation of an ultrasonic system, and an aeration system was also installed, in an attempt to manage the problem. We also have plans of installing a water quality monitoring buoy to monitor BGA in the reservoir prior to treatment.

The Problem Accepted, Solution Supplied (PASS) Award

The PASS (Problem Accepted, Solution Supplied) is designed to encourage water industry operational staff to share their “in the field innovations” and/or “fixes to problems” so that others in the water industry can benefit.

To enter the award, water industry operational staff are required to complete a simple application form and submit it for judging. The person who submits the application deemed to be the best in that year will be announced as the winner of the PASS Award. All entries received are published into a printed booklet which is distributed to all WIOA members as well as at our various events around the country.

Aqua Safe Skills was the initiator and continues to sponsor this award over many years, with the prize being an operational tour of New Zealand, including attendance at the Water Industry Operations Group of NZ annual conference. The tour and conference are normally held in May each year.

Any advice for young operators in the industry facing similar challenges?

Be curious and never fall into the trap of thinking you know it all, because I have found that you never stop learning.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines related to water quality reporting and compliance?

Our team get updates from our drinking water quality team which we discuss as a group at regular tool box meetings to ensure we stay up-to-date with water quality related regulations, reporting and compliance.

This year you won the PASS Award, what did this award mean to you?

My team and I are always trying to make improvements to make our job safer and easier, and it was great to be recognized with this award.

Scan the QR to read more about Wayne’s award winning solution

Scan to learn more about the PASS Award

What has been the impact of your solution in your organisation and/or local community?

My solution improved the efficiency of PAC dosing which improved the water quality in the Birregurra water basin, resulting in greater efficiency of the water treatment plant, enabling it to keep up with demand.

What’s your Favorite part about working in the Australian Water Industry?

I really enjoy my work environment, and the diversity and variety of my role.

Are you an Operator in the Australian Water Industry?

We’d love to hear more about your operator experience and feature your story in an upcoming issue of Operator magazine. To share your story please email info@wioa.org.au

SEQWATER PROJECT UPDATE

Lake McDonald Dam Improvement Project

Community Newsletter

LAKE MACDONALD DAM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AUGUST 2024

Seqwater’s Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project is progressing, with detailed planning and onsite works continuing in 2024.

Project update

The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project will involve building a new spillway and reconstructing the existing earth embankments. This is an important local project, which will reduce risks associated with extreme weather events, achieve regulatory compliance, and ensure the continued reliability of this local water source for the Noosa region.

Seqwater’s Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project is progressing, with detailed planning and onsite works continuing in 2024.

Works continuing in 2024

In February 2024, Seqwater awarded John Holland the construction contract for the project. Work continues both onsite and offsite by the project team, John Holland, and expert consultants.

Seqwater is completing final planning for the construction of an upstream cofferdam, which will enable the lake level to be kept as high as possible during construction.

The revised project design and construction of the cofferdam released by Seqwater earlier this year takes into account feedback from the community, as well as water security considerations, to keep more water in the lake.

The cofferdam will deliver a number of benefits during the construction period including water security, environmental and community amenity, in addition to enabling some recreation activities to continue throughout the project.

In 2024, Seqwater and John Holland will continue planning and site preparation works which include geotechnical investigations, survey works, minor vegetation clearing on Seqwater property, water quality testing, installation of project fencing, and continued engagement with the community and traditional owners.

Once final preparations and planning to construct the cofferdam are complete, construction is expected to commence in 2025, following this year’s wet season which is also the breeding season for local aquatic species.

Works continuing in 2024

Seqwater is committed to the delivery of this critical project to ensure the ongoing safety of the dam during extreme weather events and to support local water security for years to come.

Community Engagement Summary

In February 2024, Seqwater awarded John Holland the construction contract for the project. Work continues both onsite and offsite by the project team, John Holland, and expert consultants.

Seqwater released the project concept design and undertook targeted engagement with local residents and stakeholders in January 2024. In February and March 2024, Seqwater held four drop-in community information sessions in Cooroy and Pomona, with 84 attendees.

Seqwater is committed to the delivery of this critical project to ensure the ongoing safety of the dam during extreme weather events and to support local water security for years to come.

Artists impression of new dam wall at Lake Macdonald

Some of the key themes raised during this period of community engagement were traffic and noise impacts, length of the revised project duration, fish relocation, and where construction materials will be sourced.

At this time, the construction contractor, John Holland, who is responsible for engaging quarries, as well as other business suppliers for the successful delivery of the project, have not yet commenced this process and therefore a decision has not been made on where the construction materials will be sourced from. We will keep the community informed on this matter as it progresses.

The community information sessions were promoted in a newsletter that was distributed to around 5,000 properties, emailed to around 580 recipients on the project database and promoted on social and local media.

During the community engagement, a number of key themes were raised which the project team are carefully considering as part of project development.

Connect with

To stay up to about future for project updates scanning the

In addition, the traffic management plan and construction impact mitigations are still being worked through and we aim to have these finalised shortly to provide more information on plans to reduce community construction impacts.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the community information sessions and provided feedback.

Next steps

Seqwater is continuing to work with John Holland to finalise the construction methodology and project schedule ahead of major works commencing in 2025.

To view the full community engagement summary report scan the QR code.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the community information sessions and provided feedback.

Seqwater is committed to ongoing community engagement as the project progresses and are looking to restart the Lake Macdonald community reference group in 2024. More information will be distributed about this initiative once Seqwater have formalised the terms of reference and establishment process. This group will bring about a formal channel for information dissemination, and community input on impacts and concerns, as the project progresses.

For more information ��

www.seqwater.com.au macdonald-dam-improvement-project �� 07 3432

✉ projectinfo@seqwater.com.au

Connect with Seqwater

To stay up to date on the project and find out about future engagement opportunities, sign up for project updates on the project web page by scanning the QR code.

For media enquiries: �� 07 3247

✉ media@seqwater.com.au

Non-English speakers Seqwater on

If you have a contact us through and give the number

Conference and Exhibition

6th & 7th November, 2024 | TAMWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

6-7 NOVEMBER, 2024 | TRECC, TAMWORTH NSW

Advertise in Operator

Operator is WIOA’s quarterly publication which includes individual and corporate member news, general interest stories, water industry news and more.

Produced three times a year it is an effective way of keeping the WIOA community in touch.

Advertising will be limited to the equivalent of 7 full pages for each edition. There are 10 ad opportunities in each edition of Operator. Three editions will be published in 2024.

To provide our corporate members with more opportunities to reach the operational employees, Operator includes a limited number of advertising opportunities in each edition.

To advertise

Contact WIOA on 03 5821 6744 or email info@wioa.org.au

How can we help?

Upcoming Events

Check out full list of upcoming events on wioa.org.au/events

If you have an upcoming event to share in our next edition email info@wioa.org.au

25 October, 2024 | Free for Members

Far North QLD Interest Day

The WIOA Queensland Advisory Group will be holding an Operations Interest Day in Far North Queensland (FNQ) which will include an optional Bowls for Charity networking opportunity, to be held at the West Cairns Bowls Club.

29 October, 2024 | Free for Members

VIC Interest Day UV

System

With presentations from Busselton Water, Rio Tinto, AqWest and Water Corporation, as well as a site tour of the Subiaco Wastewater Treatment Plant, this Interest Day is jampacked with interesting and thought provoking material. Free for members to attend. Register now!

12 November, 2024

2024 AGM

Calling all WIOA Members. The 2024 WIOA Annual General Meeting will be held online on Tuesday 12th November at 12pm AEST.

We will require as many members as possible to attend, as we update our Constitution requiring member support via your vote. This supports our ambition to have the most current governance structure, so that we remain a modern and contemporary association focused on supporting our members.

6 & 7 November, 2024

2024 NSW Conference

Join your peers at our NSW Water Industry event fostering information exchange among operational roles in water, wastewater, and recycled water sectors.

Event Includes

• Women of Water Breakfast - connect with Women in the industry over breakfast

• Competitions including the Main Tapping Competition and the Water of Origin Competition

• Keynote speakers and technical Paper presentations, many provided by Operators in the NSW Water Industry.

• A sold-out Exhibition Hall with over 100 companies servicing the Australian Water Industry

• Meet the Exhibitors Dinner is an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet barbeque with other Delegates and our Exhibitors in a casual environment.

• The 2024 NSW Gala Awards Dinner is an occasion to honor your peers’ accomplishments and celebrate the ongoing success of the NSW Water Industry.