The Water Industry Operators’ Association (WOIA) is looking to develop its national tapping competition. 

The WOIA says it is working to develop a better national competition that brings water main operators together, to continue an industry tradition. 

It is looking for representatives from each state/territory to join the Advisory Group that will make it happen.

The tapping competition is a head-to-head time trial to install a tap into a pressurised steel and concrete water main as fast as possible.

It was recently won by TasWater’s “Wild West Tappers” Lynden Thurston and Cameron Lusk.

The WOIA’s inaugural Advisory Group Chair, Ben Pennell from City of Gold Coast, said the group would develop rules for the competition, which will replace smaller state-based events. 

It will be sponsored by Reece Civil and Viadux. The winner will receive a trophy and $1,000 to donate to charity.

“We have previously run this in Queensland, where the winners for the past three competitions have been Trent Roberts and Spencer Stacey,” Ben said.

“Their best time was an impressive 1 minute and 47 seconds. They have hung up their tools and the title will be up for grabs at a national level.”

The WOIA is calling for interested people to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they are interested in joining the Advisory Group, which should involve about 1.5 hours/month for 6 months.