Last chance to register!
OZWATER’12 – only two weeks left to register and participate. The largest water sector event in the southern hemisphere will feature seven internationally renowned keynote speakers, more than 200 industry speakers, workshops, electronic posters and a massive trade exhibition. Do not miss this opportunity REGISTER today at www.ozwater.org  

Water Sector News

Australia to be drought free
Australia will officially be drought free for the first time in over a decade next week, as the final two Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declarations come to an end. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig said the expiry of EC declarations in Bundarra and Eurobodalla next Monday marked a major milestone for agriculture in Australia. “The extended period of drought – which made things tough for many on the land – is finally over,” Minister Ludwig said. “The seasonal outlook is brighter than it has been for many years and the improved conditions are a welcome reprieve for farmers across Australia. (Senator Ludwig)

AWA submission on National Water Commission Amendment Bill 2012
AWA has issued its submission to a Senate committee inquiry into the National Water Commission Amendment Bill 2012. AWA has previously spoken in support of the continuation of the National Water Commission and accordingly supports this Bill. The rationale for this support and additional observations regarding the Bill are available through the link. (AWA)

Full impacts of March flood at Enlarged Cotter Dam now known
ACTEW has announced that work at the Enlarged Cotter Dam following the March 2012 flooding will resume on 5 May, two months earlier than expected. “Recovery work following the severe flooding in March has progressed extremely well, meaning we can get back to work earlier than first anticipated, and by next week almost all of our workforce will be back on site and ready to resume construction,” said ACTEW Managing Director Mark Sullivan. The workforce, in addition to those involved in the initial clean up works, have been returning to the site over the last several weeks to prepare for the recommencement of construction. All staff returning will undergo site and safety re-inductions and refresher training to ensure that safety remains a top priority when work resumes. (ACTEW)

ACCC releases 2010-11 water monitoring report for the Murray Darling Basin
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its second annual Water Monitoring Report for the Murray Darling Basin under the Water Act 2007. "The report shows that water market reforms in the Basin are providing irrigators with the flexibility to maximise the value of their water assets, through water trading and farming," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said. "ACCC analysis shows that compared to the previous year, fewer irrigators are electing to exit farming which reflects a positive outlook for commodity prices and water availability." (ACCC)

Tenix announced as preferred partner for Pilbara Wastewater Treatment Alliance
Water Corporation General Manager Keith Cadee announced that Tenix had been nominated as the preferred alliance partner for the Pilbara Wastewater Treatment Alliance. The new alliance will provide up to $200 million worth of major upgrades to wastewater services in the Pilbara to cater for projected residential and commercial growth. (Water Corporation)

Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan
The Victorian Minister for Water Peter Walsh publicly released the Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan, which was prepared by the Living Victoria Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC). The MAC was established in early 2011 to provide independent advice to government on the key changes that are needed to achieve the government's aims for urban water. (Victorian Government)

Regulator responds to Barwon Water price application
Victoria’s economic regulator, the Essential Services Commission, has proposed to approve an additional three per cent increase in water prices for Barwon Water customers in 2012-13 to reflect the costs of the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline. The Commission’s draft decision on Barwon Water’s price application proposes an approved three per cent increase, on top of the already approved seven per cent to Barwon Water’s water prices in 2012-13, and is subject to the pipeline being completed and in service. A final decision will be delivered in June. (Essential Services Commission, VIC)

Eyre Peninsula water review complete
The annual review of the Eyre Peninsula Demand and Supply Statement shows that the region’s drinking water supplies are secure until at least 2023-24. Department for Water Executive Director, Policy and Strategy Julia Grant says the review of the State’s first Demand and Supply Statement is part of an ongoing commitment to assessing water security across the State to 2050. “The review is based on the most recent, best available information, provided by a range of organisations including local government, state agencies and industry. The data covers aspects such as actual water use, climate change impacts, population growth and industry development,” Ms Grant said. (Water for Good)

Largest environmental joint-project to clean up Maribyrnong River Valley (VIC)
Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith announced funding of $1.04 million towards a $3.6 million project to revitalise Melbourne’s second-largest river valley, the Maribyrnong. Mr Smith said the target of the project was a more clean and accessible river valley for the community, which would also improve the quality of water going into Port Phillip Bay. (Premier of Victoria)

Nominations open for the 2012 Prime Minister’s Water Wise Award
Commercial and industrial companies that can demonstrate recent water savings are encouraged to nominate for the 2012 Prime Minister’s Water Wise Award. Announcing the opening of nominations, Senator Don Farrell, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, said the award was a great way to celebrate companies that make outstanding efforts to conserve water. “This is Australia’s premier award recognising water efficiency excellence in the commercial and industrial sectors, which typically account for between 15 and 20 per cent of all water used in Australia,” Senator Farrell said. (Senator Farrell)

First major water plan for Warren-Donnelly (WA)
The first surface water allocation plan for the Warren-Donnelly region in South-West WA will provide long-term water security for hundreds of irrigators. The plan affects about 400 landowners who have built nearly 500 on-stream dams to capture and store water. Mr Marmion said the new allocation limits, which were based on dry years, would ensure licence holders had reliable supplies while also providing water for the environment. (Bill Marmion)

Earth's water cycle intensifying with atmospheric warming
In a paper published in the journal Science, Australian scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California, reported changing patterns of salinity in the global ocean during the past 50 years, marking a clear fingerprint of climate change. Lead author Dr Paul Durack said that by looking at observed ocean salinity changes and the relationship between salinity, rainfall and evaporation in climate models, they determined the water cycle has strengthened by four per cent from 1950-2000. This is twice the response projected by current generation global climate models. (CSIRO)

Proposed amendments to the Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Sharing Plan – Have your say
The proposed amendments are on public exhibition for comment from Thursday, 26 April to Monday, 4 June 2012. All submissions will be taken into account in finalising changes to the statutory plan. The proposed amendments expand the Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Source to include the Lowbidgee Flood Control and Irrigation District and include rules for managing Lowbidgee diversions which were historically diverted on the basis of a legislative power to now be recognised as a new category of supplementary water access licence within the plan. (NSW Office of Water)

South East SA shares water knowledge with East Timor
Mount Gambier and the wider South East SA community recently hosted a water official from East Timor who was keen to learn from local experts about water resource management in the region. Ms Juviana Jeronimo Neto from the National Directorate of Water, East Timor, spent two days with Department for Water staff as part of a work and knowledge exchange to help inform the future of groundwater management in East Timor. (Water for Good)

SIPOS Aktorik provides actuators for WWTP catchment expansion
SIPOS Aktorik has supplied electric actuators to support a wider catchment area for an Australian wastewater treatment plant. The manufacturer and global supplier of actuators provided a complex valve control solution for a remote supply line that supports an upgrade initiative for Lower Molonglo, the sewerage and wastewater treatment facility for the country’s capital, Canberra. (IWA)  

Member News

State of the Water Sector Survey – Enter now to win great prizes!AWA and its research partner Deloitte are carrying out a survey of water sector participants’ attitudes to the critical issues facing the sector. Following on from the initial quantitative survey in late 2010, and qualitative survey in 2011, this Survey will provide a comprehensive view of the state of the Australian water sector, rural and urban. We encourage all water professionals to complete the survey.
1st prize: Entry to OzWater’13 including three nights' accommodation and return economy flights from any Australian capital city
2nd prize: iPad 3
3rd prize:12 Months free membership to AWA.
Complete the survey now

AWA announces new training strategy
AWA is pleased to announce a new strategy to provide the industry with continued high quality and responsive training opportunities. Coined ‘Industry to Industry Training’ AWA is seeking AWA Corporate and Individual Member partners who have existing or almost finalised training courses that address industry needs. AWA will concentrate on the event management, marketing and logistics, with members responsible for delivering the quality training. Round 1 applications are due 31 May 2012. Further information and training proposal form is available from www.awa.asn.au/training

New Technical Editor for AWA’s Water Journal
There were more than twenty very talented and highly qualified candidates from around the world who applied for the role of Technical Editor, Water Journal and we are pleased to announce that we have been able to secure Clare Porter as the new Technical Editor.
Clare has been with AWA for more than 15 years in a multitude of senior roles including previously being a member of the Journal Editorial Committee. Having a very solid science and sustainability background, together with being highly respected throughout the water sector, Clare will bring excellent skills and perspective to the role. As well as the Technical Editor role, Clare is also working as Program Manager for AWA Professional Development. You can contact Clare at cporter@awa.asn.au

Parsons Brinckerhoff appoints three senior professionals
Parsons Brinckerhoff has appointed three senior professionals to strengthen the environment, planning and stakeholder engagement team and support continued growth in the regions. Catherine Atoms and Tim Holmes will lead new stakeholder engagement teams in Perth and Melbourne. Joanna Stewart Priestley has joined as Principal Environmental Consultant in Perth. Section Executive Brian Ashcroft said the addition of the new team members was one more step in building a national network to service clients. (Parsons Brinckerhoff)   

Events and Courses

Coal Seam Gas – ‘The Science’: Brisbane 21 August and Sydney 22 August
Register now!
This one-day course provides a broad introduction to coal seam gas (CSG), demystifying the science and delving into key industry challenges and government policy. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of CSG extraction, and then delve deeper into hydrogeological processes and how modelling can be used to manage risk and uncertainty. Key national experts have been carefully chosen to present, ensuring this course constitutes the best possible introduction to CSG. View further details and register.

Free Industry Forums at Ozwater
For the first time at Ozwater, a series of free Industry Forums will be held immediately preceding the formal program on Monday, 7 May at the Sydney Convention Centre. The Ozwater’12 Forums include:

• SIEMENS Water Academy, which is a day-long program that will bring together experts from various technology backgrounds to discuss how technology will enable a sustainable water future.
• The Australian Water Research and Development Coalition will be hosting a forum from 2 - 4pm discussing the progress in implementing a more efficient and cooperative approach to urban water R&D investment in Australia.

See www.ozwater.org/forums for more information and free participation details.

Biosolids and Source Management Conference, 18-20 June 2012, Gold Coast
Registration now open
The conference will allow for sharing knowledge on the treatment process and influent contaminants that may reduce the outlets for this reuse. Keynotes include Dr. John Novak, Virginia Tech (USA); Professor Jurg Keller, Director, Advanced Water Management Centre; Bill Barber, AECOM; and Michael Catchpole, Allconnex.
Download the registration brochure and program. To register go to www.awa.asn.au/bsmconference

Leading Edge Technology Conference, 3-7 June 2012, Brisbane
Registrations now open
The 2012 edition of the highly successful Leading Edge Technology Conference on Water and Waste Water Treatment Technologies (LET) moves to Australia. This event is for all those interested in the latest advances in wastewater and drinking water technologies. It offers a wide range of multi-disciplinary presentations and will provide ample opportunities to learn and network with professionals in your fields of interest. For a program and more information please visit the website www.let2012.org

Water Industry Capacity Development Workshop (WICD), 14-15 August 2012, Darwin
Don't miss out: Registration now open!
Water skills professionals are invited to Darwin in August to participate in the 2012 WICD Skills Workshop. This two-day event features leading facilitator Dr Martin Challis, who will engage attendees in practical strategies to build leadership capability within their organisations. Participants will also hear from water skills organisations nation-wide on various skills projects. The event provides participants with an opportunity to comment on AWA’s upcoming Accreditation Scheme, and to discuss potential new WICD projects. For more information and to register visit the website.

Water Retail Specialist Network Meet and Greet at Ozwater, 8 May 2012, Sydney
Limited Spaces
Join us at the launch of the newly formed Water Retail Specialist Network. The network is hosting a cocktail event at Ozwater on Tuesday, 8 May from 6 - 8pm at room 202 on level 2, Convention Centre Bayside. You are invited to come along and take part to find out about opportunities available to Water Retail Specialist Network members. The meet and greet will be an informal session where interested parties can have a chat, share knowledge, information and skills, and make good professional and business contacts. 

Jobs

There are 33 jobs on the H2Oz website, view them here.

Job of the week:

Manager - Operational Support
Permeate Partners
Engineering
Perth metropolitan, WA regional

Salary: Negotiable
Exciting opportunity to join one of Australia''s leading consultancies in membrane systems and local water infrastructure.

Closing Date: 11/05/2012

For further information on advertising using H2Oz, please email h2oz@awa.asn.au 

In The Media 

• AWA CEO Mr Tom Mollenkopf speaks to ABC radio about Victoria’s Living Victoria, Living Melbourne Plan. (ABC)  
• Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has announced approval for a new weir for the booming Gladstone area. Coordinator-General Barry Broe on Monday cleared the way for SunWater Limited and the Gladstone Area Water Board to prepare the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project. The project involves raising Eden Bann Weir and constructing a new weir at Rookwood on the Fitzroy River. (SMH)  
• South Australian Treasury officials have discussed selling the $1.8 billion Adelaide desalination plant. (The Australian) 
• A group which represents about 500 irrigators in three states has voted to challenge the Commonwealth Water Act in the High Court. (ABC)  
• The estimated cost of building the enlarged Cotter Dam has reached $405 million as a result of damage caused by March's floods. (Canberra Times)  
• The Bellagio fountains, one of the most iconic of the Las Vegas water-based attractions, is said to contain 22 million gallons of water. It may look like a waste for a city in the middle of the Mojave desert, but for the moment there is no shortage of water in Nevada. (Planet Ark) 
• Construction has resumed on a controversial dam in the lower Mekong River in Laos, despite an agreement to suspend the project. (ABC) 
• The Basin Plan: legal debates and developments. (Parliament of NSW)  

Email news has approximately 7,000 subscribers. For news enquiries, please email media@awa.asn.au 

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