Policy
Submission to the Productivity Commission – Water Reform 2020
The Productivity Commission has published an issues paper on national water reform. A copy of the issues paper is available at https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/water-reform-2020/issues VicWater met with Commissioner Jane Doolan (also a Western Water Board Director) during February to discuss water reform priorities, opportunities for the issues paper and a renewed National Water Initiative. Submissions are due…
Read MoreCarbon offsets webinar
VicWater will host a webinar on 19 August, focusing on the use of carbon offsets in the water sector. The webinar will communicate outcomes of the recent Melbourne Water and VicWater carbon offsets project and address issues such as: how carbon offsets work, risks with using carbon offsets and regulatory and procurement challenges. For more…
Read MoreEmerging contaminants in recycled water and discharges
EPA has signed a funding agreement with DELWP to conduct field sampling for emerging contaminants in recycled water and discharges. VicWater provided input on the funding agreement and as a result, the field sampling will be targeted to align with, and build upon the results of the 2019 VicWater emerging contaminant desktop risk assessment. For…
Read MoreVicWater to project manage industry guidance under the new Recycled Water Guidelines
VicWater has signed a funding agreement with DELWP to develop three pieces of industry guidance to support the implementation of the new recycled water guidelines. The three pieces of industry guidance will cover the following topics: a low burden approval guide and template for class B and C schemes an audit guide and template for…
Read MoreEPA Water Subordinate Legislation
During June, VicWater met with members of the EPA sub-legislation team to discuss water industry feedback on the draft EPA regulations, which were published in September 2019. The meeting focused on aspects of the draft regulations which will affect septic tank waste and emerging contaminants.
Read MoreDeclared Catchments
DELWP has circulated a summary of key findings of the review of Special Water Supply Catchment Areas (SWSCA). VicWater has advised DELWP on their approach to the review, to reduce the burden of consultation on water corporations. VicWater will continue to communicate updates to the water industry reference group as nominated by MDs during 2019.
Read MoreSubmission to the Federal Government NGER
During June, VicWater prepared a submission on proposed amendments to the national greenhouse reporting framework (https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/2020-national-greenhouse-and-energy-reporting-nger/). The focus of the submission was on changed nitrous oxide emission factors which could result in significant fluctuations in reportable emissions over the coming years.
Read MoreSubmission on plumbing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
VicWater is preparing a submission on CPD for building and plumbing practitioners (Continuing Professional Development for Builders and Plumbers). CPD provides an opportunity to progressively improve awareness of risks and controls associated with recycled water cross connections. In preparing the submission, VicWater will consult with water corporation members of the VBA water industry liaison working…
Read MoreConstruction Procurement – Major Projects Standard Contract
VicWater has received bids from all six firms invited to quote for the new Major Construction Projects Standard Contract. The Major Projects Standard Contract Working Group, chaired by Barwon Water, met on 19 June and has prepared an evaluation plan for the coming months with the following milestones: shortlist bids in July interviews in August appointment…
Read MoreRecreational access to potable water storages
A project update meeting for the ‘State-wide assessment of cost and time for providing on-water access at Victoria’s water storages’ was held on June 26. The update meeting provided a further opportunity to refine the approach to estimating cost impacts, lead time and other factors associated with facilitating safe recreation access to closed potable water…
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