Water Sector News
Monitoring key to optimal environmental water management
National Water Commission CEO Mr James Cameron
has called for the improved and systematic monitoring of water plans to
provide confidence that they are effective in meeting their
environmental objectives. Releasing two reports at Ozwater 2012 which
identify priorities and resources for improving environmental water
performance, Mr Cameron said that environmental water management has
been evolving in all Australian states and territories but there is
still a way to go. (NWC)
SMCMA survey on upgrades to its Catchment Action Plan
The Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (SMCMA) is upgrading its Catchment Action Plan
(CAP) for the Sydney region. The CAP is the overarching document
guiding natural resource management in the region and is central to the
delivery of natural resource management in Sydney. The CAP is intended
to reflect and guide actions undertaken by all levels of government in
regards to natural resource management. A new feature of the CAP is that
it is to consider the long-term resilience of Sydney and its natural
resources. To this end, consideration will be given in the CAP to
social/cultural, economic and governance impacts as well as
environmental and natural resource issues. SMCMA would like to invite
you to provide input in to the new CAP by completing an online survey. (SMCMA)
Abigroup wins water recycling plant project in the Hunter
Abigroup has been awarded a $40 million project
by the Hunter Water Corporation to build a new water recycling plant as
part of the Hunter Treatment Alliance program of works. The Kooragang Industrial Water Scheme
(KIWS) involves constructing a new water reuse plant that will use
Micro-filtration Reverse Osmosis processes with a 9 ML/day output
including provision for a future expansion to 12 ML/day. Abigroup’s Ian
Hutchinson, who is the Hunter Treatment Alliance Program Manager, said,
“I’m very excited that Hunter Water Corporation Board has decided to
deliver the KIWS project using the Hunter Treatment Alliance delivery
model. (Abigroup)
Nick Xenaphon condemns budget cuts in water
Independent Senator Nick Xenophon condemned cuts
to water programs in the Budget. Funding for water projects has been
slashed overall but in an area where water project funding has increased
– On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency – SA is expected to miss out because
local farmers are already too water efficient to qualify.
The budget cuts include:
- Raising National Water Standards Program and the Australian Water Fund: Termination of program
- Water for the Future – Driving Reform in the Murray-Darling Basin: $61.2million cut
- Water for the Future – National Urban Water and Desalination Plan: $25.7million cut
- Water for the Future – National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns: $16.5million cut.
The budgets for particular water projects can be found on the budget website.
(Nick Xenaphon)
Investment in irrigation infrastructure to deliver water reform
The Gillard Government will invest $350 million
to support water reform in the Murray Darling Basin, continuing its
commitment to irrigation infrastructure in this year's budget. "The
Gillard Government has made clear that we are committed to delivering a
plan for the Murray Darling Basin that restores our rivers to health,
ensures strong regional communities and sustainable food production," Mr
Burke said. "That's why we are committing additional funds to support
modernisation of irrigation infrastructure, helping irrigators improve
water efficiency on farms. (SEWPAC)
NWC update on coal seam gas and water
The National Water Commission recently published
an update to its December 2010 position statement on coal seam gas. The
update addresses the issue of estimating co-produced water volumes. (NWC)
Scientists create constant supply of sterile water using sunlight and air
Researchers at the University of Hull are
developing a way to produce constant supplies of sterile water, powered
simply by sunlight and air. The device is aimed at remote communities
where conventional systems using chemicals or electricity are not a
viable option. The research — funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust —
will make use of molecules which, in response to sunlight, produce a
form of oxygen that is highly toxic. Lead researcher from Hull’s
Department of Chemistry, Dr Ross Boyle, originally developed these
molecules to attack cancer cells, but has spotted a new application for
their use in the developing world. (ENN)
AGU: Groundwater pumping leads to sea level rise, cancels out effect of dams
As people pump groundwater for irrigation,
drinking water, and industrial uses, the water doesn't just seep back
into the ground - it also evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs off
into rivers and canals, eventually emptying into the world's oceans.
This water adds up, and a new study calculates that by 2050, groundwater
pumping will cause a global sea level rise of about 0.8 millimeters per
year. (AGU)
Member News
Be part of AWA’s 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
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
SKM announces Mark Hather as Group Manager Transport Clients
Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) is pleased to
announce the appointment of Mark Hather as Group Manager Transport
Clients within the firm’s Water and Environment Business Unit. Mark has
more than 25 years experience in environmental planning and impact
assessment including the project direction and management of major
environmental impact statements and route assessment projects.
Doug Neufeld joins Halgan
Doug Neufeld has joined Halgan Pty Ltd as the
new National Key Account Manager. Doug is based in Brisbane and can be
contacted at dneufeld@halgan.com.au
New book available: Disinfection By-Products and Human Health
AWA and IWA have published a new book titled Disinfection By-Products and Human Health.
The book, written by Steve E Hrudey and Jeffrey WA Charrois provides
drinking water professionals with a pragmatic assessment of the current
evidence and emerging issues concerning disinfection by-products and
public health. This book is an essential, practical and accessible guide
for drinking water professionals, engineers, chemists and public health
professionals.
The book is $130 for AWA members and $171 for
non-members. This price includes postage and GST. To order your copy,
email hkistle@awa.asn.au
Events and Courses
New coal seam gas workshop and courses, various locations
AWA and the National Centre for Groundwater
Studies and Training (NCGRT) are pleased to present two opportunities to
further your knowledge in the area of coal seam gas (CSG):
- Three-hour Workshop and Panel Discussion. Learn and
engage with Australian and International experts. Some of the leading
thinkers on CSG will share their knowledge and take questions from the
floor. Presenters include Prof William Fisher, University of Texas, Prof
Craig Simmons, NCGRT and Prof Peter Flood, previously University of
New England. Light refreshments included. Sydney, Melbourne &
Brisbane from 24 July. Click here for more information.
- One-day Short Course. An intensive full day course
designed to give delegates a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals
of CSG extraction, the hydrogeological processes, how modelling can be
used to manage risk and uncertainty, plus community and NRM issues,
government policy and the future of CSG in Australia. Brisbane and
Sydney, 21 & 22 August. Click here for more information.
Source 2012 Conference, 29-30 May, Canberra
Don’t miss out
The launch of Source, Australia's new
hydrological modelling platform. Find out from water industry experts
about the capabilities of Source for water management. Following the
conference on Thursday 30 May & Friday 1 June, will be a range of
hands-on professional training courses including Source, music and Urban Developer, and eWater’s new Eco Tool suite. Register at ewater.asnevents.com.au
Jobs
There are 40 jobs on the H2Oz website, view them here.
Job of the week:
Junior Project Coordinator Australian Water Association
Project Management
Sydney metropolitan
47-52 plus super
The Australian Water Association is looking for
an enthusiastic individual to work in a small team on a variety of
projects to support the work of training and publications.
Closing Date: 28/05/2012
For further information on advertising using H2Oz, please email h2oz@awa.asn.au
In The Media
- The federal government will pull the
plug on drought-driven water projects worth $142 million, including
Queensland's Rockhampton to Gladstone pipeline. Australian Water
Association chief executive Tom Mollenkopf said yesterday it was
disappointing the government had cut funding for desalination and
recycling. "The expenses are not so much costs but investments. It is
about investing now so that we have a secure and sustainable water
supply in the future," he said. (The Australian)
- Groundwater levels in the shallow
aquifers beneath Adelaide have recovered since the drought, the State
Government says. (Adelaide Advertiser)
- Queensland taxpayers are shelling out
$30 million a year interest on almost 500 properties bought for the dam
that never collected a single drop of water. (Courier Mail)
- Sydneysiders would rather drink highly
purified sewage as part of a planned recycling scheme than consume the
smaller amount of effluent already present in the city's water supplies,
researchers have found. (SMH)
- Perth is urgently seeking ways to extend and top up its dwindling water supply. (The Australian)
- A three-day snapshot of water quality in
Gladstone Harbour by the CSIRO has found no evidence of increased
heavy-metal concentrations near the port's major dredging program.
(Courier Mail)
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