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title: Water Directorate July 2026 e-news
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| View in browser 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 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... Read More 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.  Droughts lasting longer across Australia, study shows $430m Murray-Darling water deal reignites food production, river health debate WaterNSW's price hike worry farmers as costs increase 40 per cent for some Regional cities warn water gaps threaten NSW growth PFAS queries continue as Wagga residents reassured drinking water is safe Somerton poultry farm awarded $500,000 grant for innovative water storage project Councils deny EnergyCo town water for New England REZ construction Google sets 2030 water target and commits $17M to data center watershed projects Parkinson's disease experts warn watchdog as deadline looms on paraquat decision More news: Latest water related news from DCCEEW WSAA's publications, papers, case studies, guidelines, factsheets, and submissions Climate and long range forecast The BOM's Climate and Water Outlook is available here: Water storages, river flows and groundwater Obtain real time data on water storages, river flows and groundwater levels through Water NSW's Water Insights Portal. e-News Subscribe to the Water Directorate's free monthly e-News Click Here Hydrohub In development. New and improved source of knowledge-based resources, including SOPs, training courses, publications and submissions. Click Here Discussion Cove In development. Choose from 6 themes, based on risk management and strategic planning outcomes for LWUs. Click Here Courses Access NSW AquaCard and NSW BrownCard, our online water and sewerage risk induction course for water industry staff and contractors. Click Here Offer Enquire about your 50% discount on WSAA codes. Click Here More Information Learn more about the Water Directorate, from our Mission and Vision to Members, Executive Committee, Strategic Plan and Constitution. Click Here 🔔 Water Directorate Annual Forum: Friday 30 October 2026 Location: Aerial Function Centre, University of Technology, Sydney Theme: From Insights to Action: Digital Water in Practice Early Bird tickets available Sponsor? Exhibitor? Check out our prospectus 📅 Executive Committee Meeting Dates Meeting 162: Thursday 9 July 2026 Meeting 163: Thursday 10 September 2026 (to be confirmed) Meeting 164 & AGM: Thursday 12 November 2026 📢Industry Partners LGNSW upcoming events Australian Water Association upcoming events and awards Queensland Water Directorate upcoming events IPWEA training and events WIOA upcoming events Like what you see? Let us know who else could benefit from receiving our e-news. SUBSCRIBE SOMEONE Associate Membership for trusted LWU partners Interested in becoming an Associate Member? LEARN MORE Copyright © 2025 NSW Water Directorate. All rights reserved. Water Directorate, 1 Coral Avenue, Tuncurry, New South Wales 2428, Australia, (02) 4217 7000 Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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