Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - March, 2011
A new report from Tasmania's Economic Regulator says more water price rises are inevitable because the state's water corporations are only recovering half of their operating costs.
The Economic Regulator, Glenn Appleyard, has released a discussion paper on how water prices will be determined when independent regulation of water prices begins in July 2012.
In the report, Mr Appleyard reveals the industry is operating at about half of full cost recovery and the current level of income is unsustainable.
WA report recommends water cost recovery measures
The final report by the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) of Western Australia in its inquiry into water resource management and planning charges has been released, recommending a suite of principles for cost recovery by the Department of Water.
SA projects kick off Riverine Recovery Project
The Australian and South Australian governments have announced joint funding of $9.2 million for three new infrastructure and environmental programs to restore wetlands and floodplains of the Murray River in South Australia.
Report on impact of climate change on groundwater recharge released
The first report of a national project to investigate the impact of climate change on groundwater resources has been released, describing the results of a modelling study on the impact of climate change and variability on diffuse dryland groundwater recharge (the recharge across the landscape under non-irrigated land use) in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Funding awarded for development of National Validation Framework for water recycling
The Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence has awarded $200,000 in funding to its first project – the development of a National Validation Framework for water recycling.
Delays and disputes hit Murray-Darling Basin Plan
The Murray Darling Basin Authority has released a statement saying that the socio-economic report on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has been delayed indefinitely due to interruptions caused by the floods throughout the region.
WA Water, Wastewater and Irrigation update released
The WA Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) has released its Water, Wastewater and Irrigation Performance Report 2010, the fifth such report which examines the performance of the 30 Western Australian water providers that are licensed by the ERA.
Executive Director of WSAA resigns
The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Executive Director, Ross Young, has announced his resignation after leading the Association since 2004.
Review of Tasmanian urban water and sewerage industry released
Tasmania’s independent Economic Regulator has released its third annual review of the State’s urban water and sewerage industry.
United Utilities Australia unveils new name
Water utility solutions provider United Utilities Australia Pty Ltd has unveiled its new name, TRILITY Pty Ltd, and new brand identity.
New research cluster to focus on environmental water issues
CSIRO has launched a new Ecological Responses to Altered Flow Regimes Cluster to develop science that will optimise the benefits of environmental water for aquatic ecosystems.
Productivity Commission to undertake inquiry into urban water sector
The Productivity Commission invites interested parties to register their interest in an inquiry into Australia's urban water sector.
Draft Tasmanian Water Service Pricing Regulations released
The Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings has released draft Water Service Pricing Regulations for public consultation.
Tasmanian Government releases climate change reports
The Tasmanian Government has launched major reports to help Government, business and farmers better understand the impacts of climate change.
Victorian Government releases urban water reform roadmap
The Victorian Government has released the Living Melbourne, Living Victoria roadmap which identifies priority areas of urban water reform.
Commission of Inquiry to investigate Queensland floods
The Queensland Government has established a statewide independent Commission of Inquiry to forensically examine the 2011 flood disaster.
Helena Water Consortium to operate Mundaring water treatment plant
Spain’s Acciona Agua is part of the winning consortium to design, build and operate the Mundaring water treatment plant in Perth, WA.
Caring for Our Country review discussion paper released
A discussion paper on Australian Government investment in natural resource management has been released for public consultation, as part of the Caring for Our Country Review.
New maps show severity of Victorian floods
The Department of Sustainability and Environment has released maps showing the severity of Victoria’s floods in January.
Economic and social impact of Murray-Darling Basin Plan paper released
ABARES has issued 'The economic and social effects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan: recent research and steps'.