Archived Industry News for Water Professionals
The Queensland State Government has opened a second reverse osmosis plant in Dalby, in the state’s south-east.
State Water Utilities Minister Stephen Robertson said the $6.4 million plant was vital to support the population growth in the region and the burgeoning resources industry, but also to protect the community from future droughts.
The two reverse osmosis plants are operated continuously, providing up to four megalitres per day base-load capacity. Dalby’s town water supply has historically relied upon shallow groundwater resources, while Loudoun Weir on the Condamine has provided extra supplies during periods of peak demand.
Rio Tinto to spend $299 million on Pilbara water project
Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced a $299 million project to construct sustainable water supply for its iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The plant will have a planned capacity up to the 333 million tonnes (Mt/a).
WA Government releases desalination findings
The Western Australian Government has released a study which assesses the opportunities for desalinating saline or brackish groundwater reserves in the state’s Wheatbelt region.
New South Wales announces $1.1 billion for primary industries
The New south Wales Budget has outlined $1.1 billion in spending in the Department of Primary Industries to deliver services and programs for the state's rural and regional communities.
Australian elected to global wetlands research body
James Cook University scientist George Lukacs has been elected President-Elect of the Society of Wetland Scientists, an international organisation of about 4000 members dedicated to fostering sound wetland science, education, and management.
Water research collaboration expanded
A collaborative research body aimed at improving sustainability practices of water use in the fringes of Australia's largest cities has been expanded.
Drought Pilot review published
The joint Western Australian and Federal Government Drought Pilot panel has published its drought policy platform into adapting and dealing with future droughts in the country.
Southern Seawater Desalination Plant opens
Western Australia's Southern Seawater Desalination Plant has commenced operation and is set to start supplying drinking water to Perth residents.
Desalination research centre opens
Australia's first desalination research facility has opened in Rockingham, Western Australia. The research facility, a joint venture between State and Federal Governments, was launched by local and international specialists.
Fresh water found underneath outback Billabongs
The discovery of fresh water underneath outback billabongs could impact Wild Rivers legislation and Water Resource Management plans, according to a leading water researcher.
Busselton Water 2011 Audit and Asset Management Report released
The Economic Regulation Authority has published the 2011 operational audit and asset management system review report for Busselton Water Board’s (Busselton Water) water services licence.
Federal Government announces environmental law reform
The Federal Government has announced the first major reform to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EBPC) Act since its creation in 1999. The reform forms the Federal Government’s response to the independent review of the Act by Allan Hawke AC.
WSAA releases report card
The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has released a report that outlines a series of recommendations to help the industry identify opportunities and challenges in the future.
NSW Government shifts funds from Sydney Water
The New South Wales Government has announced its intentions to shift hundreds of millions of dollars from Sydney Water in an attempt to stop the cash haemorrhaging from the embattled state-owned electricity suppliers.
Water scientists urge more research on CSG
A number of senior water researchers have warned of the possible effects of the coal seam gas (CSG) industry on water and salinity.
Wetlands assessed for sulfates
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has concluded a three-year investigative study into levels of acid sulfate soils in the Basin, finding extensive levels of the potentially damaging soils in the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Victoria to construct first water neutral suburb
A suburb of Melton, in Victoria’s south, is set to become the first water neutral built up area in the country after construction is completed.
Queensland announces flood response plan
The Queensland State Government will spend a total of $76 million over five years to improve disaster response and flood infrastructure management.
Government releases marine reserves draft
The Federal Government has released a draft marine bioregional plan that proposes to establish marine reserves networks to protect marine environment in Australia’s north and north-east.
Competition to emerge in Sydney water market
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal in Sydney has been told that private water retail competition is an inevitability.
Federal independents push for water protection
Independent MP for New England Tony Windsor has announced a Private Members Bill, which will be seconded by fellow independent Rob Oakeshott, that will see greater controls over the mining industry’s use of water.