Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - October, 2011
The Federal Government has announced $3 million in funding for the construction of a stormwater harvesting and reuse plant in Western Australia that will save up to 745 million litres of drinking water per year by 2014.
Matched with $3 million in funding from the City of Greater Geraldton, the plant will be constructed under the City of Greater Geraldton's Stormwater Harvesting and Efficiency Project.
The project will also implement water efficiency measures such as installing more efficient irrigation systems and developing a water conservation plan.
Royal opening of Brisbane stormwater centre
Rain Bank, Brisbane’s new stormwater harvesting and reuse centre, has been officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen.
$16 million for Victorian waterway repairs
The Victorian Government has committed $16 million for a range of flood recovery works and waterway repairs of damage caused by flood earlier in the year.
John Gunn appointed as CEO of AIMS
Marine scientist John Gunn has been announced as the new CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
Agreement to protect the Hawkesbury-Nepean River
The University of Western Sydney, TAFE Western Sydney Institute and the Hawkesbury Environmental Network (HEN) have signed an agreement to contribute to protecting and maintaining the health and vitality of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.
Draft plan for Namoi water released
The New South Wales Government is calling for local farmers, industry groups and the wider community to comment on the draft Namoi water sharing plan for the area’s unregulated rivers and alluvial groundwater.
WA storm water research node launched
The Western Australian Node of the Monash University-led Cities as Water Supply Catchments Research Program has been launched in Perth as a co-operative initiative between the University of Western Australia and Monash University.
Victoria releases Anglesea River findings
The Victorian Government has released the findings of an independent review into water quality issues in the Anglesea River.
Official Barwon-Darling water trading to begin
The New South Wales Water Commisioner, David Harriss, has announced that the formal rules governing water entitlements and allocations for the Barwon-Darling Unregulated River in the State’s far north-west are now in place.
NSW announces revision to Snowy water licences
The New South Wales Water Commissioner David Harriss has revealed adjustments to the Snow Hydro’s water licence arrangements with an aim to better benefit water users and the environment.
Commission urges investment in water science
The National Water Commission has called for the formation of a national water science strategy in its third National Water Initiative report.
NWC announces new chief executive
The National Water Commission (NWC) has appointed James Cameron as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Northern Victoria irrigation agreement signed
The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have announced a new agreement that will deliver the country’s largest irrigation infrastructure renewal project.
Adelaide Desalination Plant starts production
The Adelaide Desalination Plant has started preliminary operations as water produced by the plant enters the state’s network.
Productivity Commission issues final report on urban water sector
The Productivity Commission has released its final report on Australia’s urban water sector following a year-long investigative inquiry to consider the case for further reform in the sector.
Think tank addresses stressed water ecosystems
A team of sixty physical, natural and social scientists from around Australia have participated in the Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank aimed at assisting in policy generation for managing the country’s most stressed ecosystems.
WA completes first stage of smart water metering system
The Western Australian Government has announced the completion of the first stage of a trial to install and monitor new smart meters in 24 households in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Queensland legislation to grant councils direct water management
The Queensland Government has introduced legislation before parliament that will allow direct management of water and wastewater services to be returned to the Gold Coast, Logan and Redland Councils.
Construction of Hobart's Marine and Antarctic Studies research centre set to begin
Construction of the new $45 million Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) development on Hobart’s waterfront is set to proceed, with the demolition of the Princes Wharf No. 2 Shed (PW2) expected to be completed next month.
Queensland completes revision of North Pine Dam Manual
Seqwater and the Dam Safety unit within Queensland’s Department of Environment and Resource Management have completed an interim review and approval of the North Pine flood mitigation manual in line with the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry interim report.
Victoria announces terms of reference for marine assessment council
The Victorian Government has tabled the final Terms-of-Reference for the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council investigation into the state’s existing marine parks and other marine protected areas.