11 May 2009

DROUGHT UPDATE
Despite heavy flooding on the north coast, overall conditions in NSW slightly worsened with the DPI declaring that as at mid April, 59.9% of NSW was officially drought affected. The area classified as marginal dropped insignificantly to 9.1% and the area classified as satisfactory dropped to 31.3%. DWE advised that 3 small NSW villages required water carting in April.

JOINT WATER DIRECTORATE/LGSA WATER LOSS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE
The program has been closed for the past month with 66 LWUs signed up. It is now expected that water gains will start to increase significantly in the second half of 2009. A discussion forum is being established on the WLMP website to allow participating LWUs to post technical questions. For more information please contact Program Manager Ian Maggs on 02 9242 4127 or visit www.waterloss.lgsa.org.au.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW UPDATE
The Water Directorate’s submission to the independent inquiry report was sent in April. Submissions can be viewed on the DWE website. The website advises that DWE with other NSW Govt agencies is now considering the issues raised in all the submissions and is undertaking further analysis of report recommendations in order to devise specific strategies to meet the goals of sustainable, secure long term water supply and sewerage services in non-metropolitan NSW. The NSW Government is expected to release its response to the Independent Inquiry Report in mid 2009.

LATEST PROJECT
Our next publication to be distributed to our 95 member Councils in May is an addendum to the 2005 Section 64 Determinations of Equivalent Tenements Guidelines. The Guidelines provide a basis for each Council to set appropriate ET loads for water & sewerage systems for various types of development. This addendum was developed by the Policy Sub-committee led by Carmel Krogh from Shoalhaven City Council. Data collected from 18 Councils across NSW and analysed by the Western Research Institute provides an indication of the variability that may exist across different categories and different geographical areas. As with any guideline, it is important for each end-user to apply appropriate local knowledge and characteristics to any adopted formulae. Knowing some of the variables involved in the different development categories means that individual Councils can collect and apply their own data to the local context. As water usage patterns change, such data collection will provide a basis for further reviews of the way in which water and sewerage development charges are applied.

LAST CALL FOR IPWEA NSW CONFERENCE, SHERATON ON THE PARK, CBD, 17–20 MAY
Don’t miss the conference event at the new CBD venue. Update your skills and congratulate your peers at the Excellence Awards Dinner. For more information contact Event Co-ordinators Roisin Mullan on 02 8267 3013 or Sabrina Tande on 8267 3008.

LAST CALL FOR IPWEA CivEnEx 09 WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL DRAGWAY, EASTERN CREEK, 21–23 MAY
CivEnEx Sydney is the official IPWEA NSW Local Govt and Public Works Engineers Field Days. Check out the latest in equipment and products for public works, property maintenance, open space management and construction. For more information contact Event Manager Frank Sticka on 02 9716 7391 or on 0411 890 381 or see www.civenex.com and watch the video.

LAST CALL FOR 2009 savewater!® AWARDS
The savewater!® Awards is now in its 7th year and has emerged as the leading Australian water sustainability awards. Award entries close on 1 June. The awards are an opportunity to reward and recognise water savings in your communities. The Water Directorate is pleased to be a supporter of the 2009 savewater!® Awards which will be presented at a gala dinner in Sydney on 9 October. To enter or for further information, visit www.savewater.com.au.

CRY ME A RIVER
Readers of this newsletter may remember the series of news items in 2007 about Steve Posselt’s epic 122 day, 3,250 kilometre kayaking (and walking) journey from Brisbane to Adelaide. Steve launched a kayak to see first hand the degradation of the Murray Darling Basin and in 2009 he has launched a book about the big trip. Steve’s book is available on the K4e web site (see below). Steve will happily sign the book if you email him and request it. To contact Steve ph 0438 138 982 or visit www.kayak4earth.com

CGS GROUNDWATER SHORT COURSES 2009
Now in its 21st year, the Centre for Groundwater Studies has 9 courses remaining in its program of 4 day courses through to November, around Australia and New Zealand. For more information contact the CGS office on 08 8201 5632 or www.groundwater.com.au.

IWES SHORT COURSES, 20 – 24 JULY, GOLD COAST
AWES offers courses in water and wastewater treatment, water reuse, membrane technology, carbon accounting, drinking water guidelines and biosolids. For more information call 1800 000 404 or go to www.iwes.com.au.

MAKE A NOMINATION FOR THE 2009 GREEN GLOBE AWARDS
The NSW Government’s Green Globe Awards are the leading environmental awards in New South Wales. Now in its tenth year, the Awards showcase and recognise outstanding achievements in the sustainable use of natural resources in NSW and leadership in tackling climate change. This year, the DECC NSW has introduced new awards for community, Local Government and media to celebrate the achievements of leaders in those fields. Nominations will close on Thursday 11 June 2009 at 5:00pm (EST). Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala event hosted by the Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment on Tuesday 28 July 2009. Become a Green Globe Awards Partner. As an official Awards Partner, your organisation is demonstrating its commitment to environmental excellence and innovation.
For more information about becoming a 2009 Awards Partner or to make a nomination please visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/greenglobes or contact Kate Breeze on (02) 9995 6311 or greenglobes@environment.nsw.gov.au

ICE WaRM SHORT COURSES The International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Mgt provides a national focus and international gateway to Australia's education, training and research expertise in water. Based in Adelaide, the Centre was established in ‘04 as an Australian Government initiative, with the support of the Sth Australian Govt. ICE WaRM offers 1 to 2 day courses between May and September around Australia in Hydraulics and Hydrology for Non-Engineers; Planning of Integrated Water Systems; Design of Onsite Detention Systems; Siphonic Roof Drainage Design; Australian Water Industry Essentials; and River & Floodplain Modelling. For a flyer or registration form go to www.icewarm.com.au.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES
Meeting dates for 2009 are 7 May, 2 July, 3 September, 4 November and 5 November. Member Councils are reminded that they are welcome to forward water issues to me for referral to the Executive Committee meetings. For further information about membership or any water related issue, please contact me on 02 8267 3010 or gmitchell@waterdirectorate.asn.au.

Gary Mitchell
Executive Officer
© Copyright Water Directorate April 2009

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