Hello, and welcome to our newsletter for April 2026.
World geopolitical events certainly have come to impact us this month. Fuel shortages and supplies that depend on oil, including HDPE pipe and PVC pipe, are presenting potential threats to water utility businesses. If those impacts are reaching unacceptable levels, please contact us to discuss how we might help.
Since my last update:
Our hard-working and long-serving Chair, Wayne Beatty, has completed his term after 8 years as Chair. He also reached his 25th year of service as an Executive Committee member, our longest ever! We're extremely grateful to Wayne for his steady leadership, strategic direction and significant contribution to advancing the interests of our members and the broader water sector.
In keeping with the good news, we're pleased to announce that Brie Jowett, Manager Water & Wastewater - Operations at Tweed Shire Council, has been appointed as the new Chair.
The Directorate responded to the NSW inquiry into Data Centres with a submission. Hearings have been scheduled to commence in May.
I was pleased to engage with our future water professionals at AWA's Careers Night at UNSW on 31 March, where I was able to present on regional opportunities in local water utilities.
Wishing you a safe, happy and restful Easter long weekend. I hope you all have time to rest, reconnect, and recharge.
🚀New Website
Have you visited our new website and registeredif you work at one of our member organisations? We've moved from organisation-based access to individual logins. Complete the Member Registration & Access Request Form using your work contact details, then check your email to complete the registration process. Once registered, you can access exclusive member content!
⏰Reminder: Young Water Professionals
Nominations for Young Water Professionals (YWPs) to attend this year's AWA Ozwater Conference Attendance Award are closing soon. Please encourage any YWPs in your organisation and network to visit our Awards pageby 15 April 2026and complete thenomination form.
Addressing skill gaps in regional water management is vital for sustainability. We’re pleased to share a new NSW Water Career Pathway resource to help LWUs attract and develop local talent, outlining entry points and career pathways from traineeships to specialist roles to support a resilient regional water workforce.
With thanks to the AWA and hosted by UNSW, this event provided undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to connect with water industry professionals, explore real career pathways, and share insights and experiences.
The Central NSW Joint Organisation’s Water Loss Management and Efficiency Hub project, delivered with NSW DCCEEW and CNSWJO councils, won the Organisational Excellence award at this year’s AWA NSW Heads of Water Gala Event. Congratulations to Meredith Macpherson and the project team.
đź“Š 2026 Census
The 2026 Census is approaching, and it’s important that water sector roles are clearly described to ensure accurate representation in national data. qldwater is leading the charge with their Say What You Are” campaign, with excellent resources and updates to help the water workforce respond effectively.
Water supply security stocktake for future funding
The NSW Government’s response to the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s Review of Funding Models for Local Water Utilities includes developing a new, better targeted, more efficient and predictable funding model. A water supply security stocktake will be undertaken to help inform key aspects of the new funding model. LWUs should contact regional.town.water@dpie.nsw.gov.au
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is now calling all NSW local water utilities to complete the 2026 Workforce Composition Survey. LWUs will receive a unique survey link and optional support. Two drop‑in sessions are available.
The WaterNSW Regulation 2020 is being reviewed by the NSW DCCEEW. The public exhibition period ended on 16 March 2026. From April - July, a report and revised final regulation will be prepared and by 1 September, the WaterNSW Regulation 2026 will come into effect.
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