The Queensland water industry has kicked off the water awards season with the announcement of the 2018 Queensland Water Award winners at the Gala Dinner last Friday evening.

Australian Water Association Chief Executive, Jonathan McKeown has congratulated all award winners for their positive contribution to the sector and the wider community.

“The entire Association congratulates and recognises the professionals and organisations who are truly making a difference to the water sector in Queensland,” Mr McKeown said. "It’s important for us to come together to recognise and be inspired by the individuals and organisations who are ensuring a secure water future for all Australians."

The Queensland Water Awards aim to recognise the contribution of the Association’s members for their leadership and their innovative programs, research or infrastructure projects.

The winners of this year's Queensland Water Awards will automatically be entered into the equivalent National Australian Water Awards category, which will be presented at Ozwater’19 in Melbourne, 7-9 May 2019.

Winners:

Research Innovation Award

UGOLD - A Decentralised Technology for the Removal & Recovery of Valuable Nutrients From Source-Separated Urine – Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland and Queensland Urban Utilities

The UGOLD project presents the world’s first decentralised microbial electrochemical system to remove and recover macro+micro-nutrients from source-separated urine right at the source. UGOLD autonomously recovers the nutrients in urine – at high rates, low energy consumption and without any chemical dosing – as a super-concentrated liquid that can find reuse as a balanced fertiliser.

Program Innovation Award - Under 250,000 end users

MiSewer, Mackay Water Services – Mackay Regional Council

Mackay Regional Council’s Water Services has developed an Australian first, a low-cost sewer level monitoring program with mobile alert system via SMS, email and GIS spatial interface. They redesigned their Smart Water Metering technology to monitor their sewer network and utilised their existing wireless communication network.

Program Innovation Award - Over 250,000 end users

Queensland Water Regional Alliance Program (QWRAP) – Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy

The Queensland Water Regional Alliance Program is a significant partnership arrangement between State Government, Local Government and industry. The program aims to lead and support Queensland water service providers at both the political and technical level to think and respond regionally to the challenges they face in providing safe and reliable water and sewerage services.

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award - Under 250,000 end users

Bowen Water Treatment Plant Solar Plant and Resilience Upgrade – Whitsunday Regional Council

Whitsunday Water has recently commissioned a 400kW solar array with permanent stand by generators at their Bowen Water Treatment Plant. As a result of a full electrical system upgrade, almost half the plant is now powered by clean energy, the supply is more resilient and there has been a reduction of over 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions recorded since commissioning.

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award - Over 250,000 end users

Sun and Salt: Logan's Water Quality Solution – Logan City Council, Downer, Cardno and WSP

Logan City Council has harnessed the power of sun and salt in an Australian first solution for managing drinking water quality in a remote location. The $3million project at Round Mountain Reservoir combines solar power, battery storage and electro-chlorination technologies to maintain water quality for residents, 24 hours a day.

Distinguished Service Award

Jenny Danslow

This award is selected by the Queensland Branch Committee and recognises an individual who has demonstrated significant contribution to the water industry.

Regional Service Award

Dr Rob Fearon, qldwater

The Regional Service Award is selected by the Queensland Branch Committee and recognises an individual who has demonstrated significant contribution to the water industry in regional areas.

Student Water Prize

Controlling and Monitoring Algae Blooms in Effluent Storage Ponds – Lindsay Stafford, Gladstone Regional Council

Lindsay has recently graduated from CQUniversity with a Bachelor of (Civil) Engineering (First Class Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-Op). Lindsay completed her work placement with Gladstone Regional Council, where she had the opportunity to investigate and trial various processes to control and monitor algae levels in effluent ponds. The outcomes of her research form an important stepping stone towards more sustainable strategies to monitor and control algae blooms in effluent storage ponds. Lindsay has recently begun her graduate position within AECOM.

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (sponsored by TRILITY)

William Speirs, Strategy and Business Development Analyst, Unitywater

William is a dedicated and passionate water professional with seven years of experience across the research, engineering, economics and strategy aspects within the water industry. Throughout his career, William has worked with government, defence, mining and utility clients and employers to develop innovative and practical solutions to the management and stewardship of water.

Water Professional of the Year Award

Richard Savage, Technical Director – Water Process and Systems, GHD

Through his role at GHD, Richard provides global technical leadership in water transmission and distribution. Richard has been an active member of the AWA community over the years, playing a strong role in the development of the Young Water Professional Program and, through his role as a Board Member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship, he has promoted the responsible use of freshwater and raised the awareness for a sustainable environment with the broader community.