7 April 2005

The Water Directorate and the LGSA have formed working groups with DEUS to implement and review IWCM, CTWSSP and Best Practice Guidelines.

The IWCM Working Group met this morning. Present from DEUS were Colin McLean and George Freeman , from LGSA were Clr Bruce Miller and Stephanie Smith and from the Water Directorate were Daryl McGregor, Mike Rayner, David Byrne and Gary Mitchell.

It was initially envisaged that the implementation group would develop a 'How to Manual'. However, at the start of the meeting the LGSA and the Water Directorate again raised the issue that the process to date was leading Councils down a complex, highly resourced and data driven path.

It was generally acknowledged by DEUS that a more simplified approach could deliver the desired outcomes in a shorter timeframe and at significantly less cost. DEUS has agreed to deliver a letter to all Councils with the specific objective of changing the mindset to an outcome driven approach.

It was agreed that to achieve the IWCM outcomes of sustainability, financial affordability and community acceptance, typical focus areas to be investigated may need to include, for example:

• Bulk water supply safe yield
• Water system loss
• Per capita residential usage
• Efficient reuse
• Education
• Pricing
• Stormwater harnessing
• Contemporary regulation (BASIX)
• CMA integration
• Usage history/records
• Metering
• Treatment standards
• Regional rationalisation
• Greywater reuse
• Rainwater tanks

It was agreed that much of the above information could already be held in Councils and that an initial data gathering and collation exercise could form a significant component of an IWCM strategy. For example, gaps in essential data could then be documented as an IWCM action rather than a prerequisite to the strategy.

Both DEUS attendees indicated a strong desire to simplify the approach for the benefit of both the Councils and DEUS.

It was agreed that IWCM is a planning tool that would demonstrate to the community over a 25 to 30 year planning horizon that the water services are sustainable at an effective cost and meet the community's needs. The IWCM by addressing typically the issues listed above will document the robustness of the system. DEUS' role is to verify compliance and to assist and guide the Councils in developing the plans.

The meeting acknowledged that many utilities will now be able to deliver IWCM to a level satisfactory to DEUS for a cost significantly less than previously envisaged.

DEUS was also requested to consider improved subsidy arrangements for smaller, less well resourced Councils.

The Water Directorate intends to provide further advice in regard to opportunities for at least part in-house delivery of IWCM including joint regional initiatives that relate to IWCM and to work with DEUS to ensure that Councils reach substantial compliance by June 2006.

As a result of this IWCM Working Group meeting, the Water Directorate strongly encourages Councils to attend the workshops in Coffs Harbour, Nowra and Albury on 4-5 May, 11-12 May and 1-2 June respectively as an ideal forum to ensure that you are fully informed and to raise any issues.

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