11 August 2009

MEMBERSHIP FEES DUE
Membership fees are now due for 2009/10 and invoices were sent out in July. The Executive Committee resolved that fees be increased by CPI in order to keep pace with inflation. Thanks to the 58 member Councils that have promptly renewed their membership so far. In addition to technical support and networking opportunities with all member councils, the following technical publications are planned to be delivered throughout 2009/10: Update of the 2002 Backflow and Cross Connection Prevention Guidelines; Design of Fireflows Guidelines and Land Acquisition Guidelines.

DROUGHT UPDATE
Conditions in NSW marginally improved with the DPI declaring that as at mid July, 64% of NSW was officially drought affected. The area classified as marginal slightly worsened to 10% and the area classified as satisfactory was unchanged at 26%. Note that this time last year the figures were approximately 65%, 21% and 14% respectively.

JOINT WATER DIRECTORATE/LGSA WATER LOSS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE
The Federal Government, Water Directorate and LGSA have agreed to the amended timeline in the Deed of Agreement and will formalise the 12 month extension to the joint program ASAP. All partners are eager to utilise the momentum of the joint program in a fifth and final year. The extended five year program would run for 24 months from now and ensure that all participating Councils complete their projects and maximise their water savings. 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 DWE (see also next news item) website in July is unchanged and advises that DWE and other NSW Govt agencies are considering the submissions to the Independent Inquiry Report and undertaking further analysis of the report recommendations. The NSW Govt is expected to release its response to the Independent Inquiry Report in mid 2009.

PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM
Last month’s newsletter reported that Premier Rees announced the biggest structural reform to the NSW public sector in more than 30 years by creating 13 super depts from 160 state agencies. In mid July a Government Order notified some key changes made to the composition of the 13 super depts & advised that any legislative changes that are required as a result of the reforms will be a priority for the Spring Session of Parliament. The key change of interest to the local water industry is that an Office of Water was established in the Dept of Environment, Climate Change & Water (DECCW). DWE still exists at the end of July according to its website and it is assumed that DWE functions will transfer into the Office of Water subsequent to the necessary legislation.

LAST CALL 2009 LGSA WATER MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, DENILIQUIN, 9-11 SEPTEMBER
The 2009 Water Management Conference will be held in Deniliquin on Wednesday, 9 to Friday, 11 September. Pre-conference presentations By DWE and NSW Health and a workshop by Water Futures will be held from 2:15pm to 5pm on Wednesday, 9 September on issues including the Review of Plumbing Regs, the Aboriginal Communities Water Supply, new IWCM guidelines and Risk Management and the ADWG. Online registration, registration forms, program and travel information are available at www.WaterConference.lgsa.org.au. The Water Directorate is pleased to conduct the popular interactive Water Managers’ Forum for the 7th year on 10 September which will cover a range of issues associated with: Pressure Sewerage Systems; IWCM; Data collection for Bureau of Meteorology; and open discussion time. Enquiries should be directed to Michelle Muller on 02 9242 4031 or michelle.muller@lgsa.org.au

SEPP (EXEMPT & COMPLYING DEVELOPING CODES) 2008
Awareness was raised in last month’s newsletter regarding the emerging serious problem created by new legislation where Development Applications for some construction is exempt from approval. Consequently structures could be built over Council water and sewer mains causing actual or potential damage or restricted access for maintenance. The Water Directorate Executive Committee is seeking your urgent feedback on issues, concerns and examples where Council infrastructure is at risk. Please email ASAP to Greg Searle for collation on greg.searle@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au

STORMWATER HARVESTING FOR ORANGE CITY COUNCIL
A major project to harvest stormwater for potable reuse is nearing completion in the city of Orange. The stormwater harvesting system recently commenced a 3 month commissioning period, with treated water being used to supplement the main drinking water reservoir for the town. The first stage of the scheme is expected to yield about 1,300 ML/yr of water, equivalent to about 25% of the current water use for the city. News item courtesy of Health Stream Issue 54 available on the web site of Water Quality Research Aust at www.wqra.com.au

AWA’S 1ST NATIONAL SOURCE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, MELBOURNE, 8-10 SEPTEMBER
AWA has convened Liquid Trade Waste conferences for many years at a state level. This event will be the first time AWA will bring those working in trade waste together on a national level. The conference will comprise of 2 days of presentations in the areas of Best Practice Management; Case Studies - Source Management/ Trade Waste Officers; Cleaner Production; Legal Issues; Research; Resource Efficiency Projects; and Treatment Processes into the Future. For more information go to
www.awa.asn.au/events/nsmc

THE AUSTRALASIAN BIOSOLIDS PARTNERSHIP
The Australasian Biosolids Partnership (ABP) is a collective of more than 30 utilities, regulators, research houses and private firms active in the area of biosolids management. The ABP was created to promote the sustainable, beneficial use of biosolids in Australia and New Zealand. The 2 main objectives are to support public engagement with respect to the sustainable management of biosolids in both Aust & NZ; and to support the Australasian water industry on technical components of biosolids management. AWA is facilitator and administrator for the ABP, using a subscription model to fund the implementation of the business plan. Key stakeholders are the water utilities which produce and have to manage biosolids, practitioners (consultants and contractors), agencies responsible for regulating the management and use of biosolids and the general community. The ABP is guided by an Advisory Board made up of a cross-section of stakeholders, which reports to the AWA Board. For further information, please visit www.biosolids.com.au

NATIONAL WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: WATER RECYCLING GUIDELINES
In July the federal Dept of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) produced the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 1) (2006). These guidelines are an important technical resource for local government authorities. The Strategy includes 24 nationally endorsed, non-mandatory guideline documents. For further information please go to www.environment.gov.au/water/quality

POSTGRADUATE DEGREES IN INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT
The Graduate Certificate, Diploma and Master of Integrated Water Management aim to build the capacity of future leaders in integrated water management. Graduate with a co-badged qualification from 4 leading Australian Universities: QLD, Griffith, Monash and WA. International WaterCentre program options are part time/distance and full time study. For more info visit www.watercentre.org

STORMWATER 2009
Stormwater 2009, the Joint Conference of the Stormwater Industry Association and Stormwater Victoria was held recently in Albury. To purchase a copy of the 32 Conference Papers, please contact Julie McGraw or Sarah Donnelley on 02 9744 5252 or email to
jmcgraw@gemspl.com.au

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES
Meeting dates are 3 Sep, 11 & 12 Nov. Contact me on gmitchell@waterdirectorate.asn.au.

Gary Mitchell
Executive Officer
© Copyright Water Directorate July 2009

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