Policy Update – March 2023

Practical guidance documents to support the implementation of EPA revised guideline for water recycling

Water Futures has prepared a new milestone schedule for the completion of the guidance documents. Over the next few months they will be undertaking site visits to inform the case studies for the guidance documents and working with EPA to ensure that it is happy with draft guidance documents. Following this the draft guidance documents will be provided to VicWater members for comment. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023.

 Carbon Offsets project

Phase Three of the Carbon Offsets is underway with its objective being to recommend the best delivery vehicle option for meeting the Victorian Water sector’s collective demand for the Scope One carbon offsets. This collective approach is an option for water corporations to consider in addition to meeting some of their demand needs individually.

DTF has been briefed on the project and a briefing for DEECA has also been scheduled. The Steering Group and Project Reference group has progressed several pieces of work including developing a risk appetite statement and a principles-based document providing guidance on progressing the project whilst a degree of uncertainty remains. Preparations are currently underway for a workshop with the water corporation Managing Directors on 8 March.

The timeline for delivery of Phase three is the end of April 2023.

Collaborative improvements to onsite wastewater management practices

Final versions of the project Synthesis Report, Good Practice Guide and Education Materials have been provided to DEECA and VicWater. DEECA is currently checking with the department of Health and EPA to ensure these document are consistent with current regulations and guidelines. Once finalised these documents will be housed on DoH’s public health hub as well as provided to all relevant water corporations.

The project is expected to be complete in early March 2023.