Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - July, 2012
The Federal Government has released legislation and explanatory material for the taxation of Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program arrangements.
The legislation aims to eliminate timing differences between when grants are taxed and when deductions are available for items of expenditure under the Program and will apply retroactively from 1 April 2010.
"The measure encourages efficient water use and provides certainty for irrigators to ensure that they will not be left with an unexpected tax bill merely as a result of timing differences. We welcome comments on the draft legislation and explanatory material," Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said.
Sydney Water's final 'super depot' opens in Prestons
Sydney Water has announced the opening of its new super depot in Prestons, which will service the growing population of South-West Sydney.
Victoria calls for changes to Basin Plan
Victorian Minister for Water, Peter Walsh, has announced he wants to see a ‘significantly changed’ Murray-Darling Basin Plan as a result of last weeks joint feedback provided by Basin Ministers.
WA confirms no changes to groundwater allocation
An evaluation of the Western Australian region of Midwest’s groundwater resources has confirmed that there will be no change to water allocation limits across key groundwater areas.
Friends of the Earth savage Murray plan
Environmental group Friends of the Earth has released a report that accuses the current Murray-Darling Basin Plan of failing to protect at least half of the Basin’s 16 internationally recognised wetlands.
Queensland simplifies SEQ water employment deals
The Queensland Government has passed legislation that will give council-owned water businesses in the state’s south east the same flexibility to manage staff in the same way as any other employer.
SA submits response to revised Basin Plan
The South Australian Government has submitted its formal response as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council’s feedback on the revised draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Smart power from water
Victoria’s Smart Water Fund has enlisted the methane-producing potential of algae and Flinders University expertise in a move to reduce the carbon emissions and the power bills of the State’s water sector through increased renewable energy use.
Wonthaggi produces first reverse osmosis water
Theiss Degremont has announced it has produced the first reverse osmosis water from the Victorian Desalination Plant near Wonthaggi.
Work starts on Derwent Park project
Construction has begun on the Derwent Park Stormwater harvesting and Industrial Reuse project, which is expected to save 476 megalitres per year.
NWC warns of stressed groundwater systems
The National Water Commission has published a new report that found a number of surface and groundwater systems are stressed due to water extraction, regulation or altered flows.
Queensland forms SunWater working group
The Queensland Government has established a working group to further develop sustainable local ideas for Sunwater’s channel water services, following the release of the company’s new five-year rural irrigation price path.
Victoria extends small business and household water rebates
The Victorian Government has announced an extension to the Living Water Rebate Program will be extended to more small businesses and households.
Victorian Government to refund Melbourne Water customers
The Victorian Government has announced it will refund customers who have left Melbourne Water and those with relatives who have since passed away who have been charged for the construction of the state’s Wonthaggi desalination plant.
West Canning Basin water exploration starts
The Western Australian Government has announced a multi-million dollar drilling program to establish if the Western Canning Basin in the Pilbara region can support industrial use water supply will begin this week.
Claremont named Waterwise Council
Work in replacing inefficient and gaining irrigation systems and conducting thorough water audits to detect leaks has earned the Western Australian Town of Claremont the title of Waterwise Council.
NSW commences water allocations
The New South Wales Government has announced the full suite of water new allocations for the state’s water users for the 2012/13 water year.
WA to offer water advice to global leaders in Singapore
Western Australian water Minister Bill Marmion has met with water industry leaders from around the world in Singapore to discuss urban water solutions.
New Chair and Commissioners for NWC
The Federal government has announced the appointment of a new Chair and reappointment of commissioners to the National Water Commission.