JULY 2026

Hello, and welcome to our newsletter for July 2026.

This first week of July is NAIDOC week, providing an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and engage with the worlds oldest continuing cultures. Later in this newsletter, we share Dillon Aldridge's story, a proud Yuin/Kamilaroi man living and working on the Far South Coast with Bega Valley Shire Council's water team. Thanks for sharing Dillon!

In other news, the 2026-27 NSW budget for roads and infrastructure was disappointing with little new money for LWU's. With the Safe and Secure Water Program almost fully allocated and due to conclude in 2028. Local Government NSW and Water Directorate have been calling on the NSW Government to extend the program for a further 10 years.

We continue to engage with the Commonwealth Productivity Commission on National Water Reform 2026.The PC recently released their Interim Update 1: Water services reform directions. Timeframes are very tight, our response is due on 10 July.

Our thanks also to the AWA and particularly Trevor Sultana for organising another great Regional Water Champions event, Failing Safely - How do we plan for a failure, and how do we react?. A great line up of speakers on a very important topic for regional water utilities. Reach out to us if you would like to view the slide deck.

Don't worry if you missed the EOFY opportunity to buy tickets for our Annual Forum 'From Insights to Action: Digital Water in Practice' in October. Early Bird tickets are still available, as well as sponsor and exhibitor opportunities.

Sharing stories this NAIDOC Week

Dillon Aldridge, a proud Yuin/Kamilaroi man living and working on the Far South Coast with Bega Valley Shire Council, shared his reflections with us on opportunities for Aboriginal professionals working in the water sector.

Dillon attended Ozwater'26 in Brisbane as the successful recipient of our AWA Ozwater Conference Attendance Award.

Photo (from L to R): Corinne Cheeseman (CEO Australian Water Association), Dillon Aldridge (Project Officer Bega Valley Shire Council), Brendan Guiney (EO NSW Water Directorate) and Kevin Werksman (CEO SUEZ Australia & New Zealand, & President Australian Water Association)

Dillon's story

Women in Engineering - LinkedIn (wide)-1

Engineering Intelligence

Creativity. Insight. Courage. Three words. Countless impacts across our communities. From safe, reliable water supply to sustainable infrastructure and leadership that inspires the next generation, we asked members of our Executive Committee what International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED) means to them.

#INWED Blog

2026-27 Budget: only $1.9 million in funding for LWUs

LGNSW News (25 June 2026): The NSW Government has committed only $1.9 million in funding for LWUs, with LGNSW seeking $1 billion, consistent with the findings of the NSW Auditor-General’s 2025 Local Government report...

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LGNSW Water Management Conference

Join industry leaders at the LGNSW Water Management Conference from 2-4 September 2026 in Ballina to explore what this year's theme “Local Water, Shared Responsibility” really reflects #LGNSWwater2026

More information

Updated NSW Guidelines: Recycled Water Management Systems

There will be a webinar on July 30 from 10:00-11:00 about the updated NSW Guidelines for Recycled Water Management Systems and 12 supporting fact sheets (2 new ones: ultraviolet disinfection and auditing high risk schemes).

Register

📊 2026 Census

qldwater is still leading the charge ahead of the 2026 Census coming soon in August. Their Say What You Are” campaign to make sure water sector roles are clearly described for accurate representation in national data. Accurate census reporting of water workers is critically important to identify skills shortages nationally, support training investment and improve workforce planning.