Archived Industry News for Water Professionals - April, 2011
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued its first Water Monitoring Report, which provides information about the impact of reforms on the water industry in the Murray Darling Basin.
“In the past 20 years governments have undertaken substantial reforms, including capping water extractions, clarifying water rights and the development of interstate water trade,” ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.
“The Water Act 2007 built on these reforms with measures to improve the operation of water markets in the Murray Darling Basin. The ACCC has played a key role in the market reforms by developing and implementing water market and water charge rules.”
ACT water prices to rise by 12 per cent
The ACT Independent Pricing and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has announced annual water and wastewater bills will increase by nearly 12 per cent from July, or about $142.
Expansion of Ord Irrigation Scheme downsized
The expansion of the Ord Irrigation Scheme in far north Western Australia has been downsized because of environmental concerns.
Karlene Maywald appointed to SA Water Board
Former Minister for Water Security and Minister for the River Murray Karlene Maywald has been appointed to the SA Water Board.
WSAA calls for "de-politicisation" of urban water
The release of four reports within a week from different government bodies shows how highly political the urban water industry has become, according to the Water Services Association of Australia.
National Water Commission chair calls for water pricing rethink
Chair of the National Water Commission Chloe Munro has called for a rethink of the way water is priced in Australia.
Southern-connected Murray system water tenders announced
Two new tenders for water purchasing in the southern-connected Murray system in Victoria and South Australia have been announced under the Gillard Government's new approach to recovering water for the environment through smaller, more consistent tenders.
Promising results from WA groundwater replenishment trial
Results from the first three months of the Groundwater Replenishment Trial at Beenyup in Western Australia have shown positive results, with all water samples meeting health and environmental guidelines.
$366 million Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Scheme launched
The $366 million Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Scheme has been officially launched by the Western Australian Government.
WIOA NSW Operator of the Year awarded
Shannon Creek Dam’s site officer, Allen Paul, has been recognised as the 2011 NSW Operator of the Year by the Water Industry Operators Association.
Natural Resource Management Strategy for Southern Tasmania released
The Natural Resource Management Strategy for Southern Tasmania 2010-2015 has been launched by the State's Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage Brian Wightman.
Interim Report into Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Corporations released
The interim report into the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Corporations has been released by the Select Committee, which fnds that current water and sewerage infrastructure in the state is not meeting pre-existing license requirements, and that bringing assets up to a contemporary standard will be both financially and environmentally challenging.
Recycled water plant commissioned for Melbourne's west
The Victorian government has commissioned a new $48 million recycled water plant in Altona to deliver up to nine megalitres of Class A recycled water for manufacturing and irrigation use each day.
Midlands Water Scheme given green light
The Federal Government has endorsed a major new irrigation project in Tasmania.
Productivity Commission releases draft urban water report
Australia's urban water sector needs major changes to meet the challenges of providing services that minimise costs and maximise benefits to the community, according to a draft report released by the Productivity Commission.
Urban water utilities and rural water service providers performance report released
Two National Water Commission reports on the performance Australia’s urban water utilities and rural water service providers have been released by the Federal Government.
Councils reject findings on water utilities
Councils have strongly rejected the findings on Local Water Utilities (LWU) in the National Water Commission’s recently released Urban Water in Australia: Future Directions 2011 report.
Victorian water allocation trading suspended
The Victorian Government has temporarily suspended some water allocation trade to protect next season’s allocations to Victorian water entitlement holders on the Murray system.
Irrigation increase announced for Lachlan Valley
NSW Water Commissioner David Harriss, has announced an increase of 9 per cent for Lachlan Valley general security irrigators.
Queensland announces changes to SEQ Water Distribution and Retail Restructuring Act
The Queensland Government has announced changes to the South-East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009.
Water expert appointed new SA Chief Scientist
A leader and recognised expert in the field of water management and quality, Adjunct Professor Don Bursill AM, has been appointed as South Australia’s new Chief Scientist.