Read about the latest news, events and research from VicWater, and your colleagues around the Victorian water sector.
VicWater Update July 2023
Welcome to a bumper edition of the VicWater Update featuring many of our members and the great things they are doing to achieve positive outcomes for their business and people, their customers and community, and the environment.
Another good example is Zero Emissions Water (ZEW), a collaboration of 12 water corporations in a power purchase agreement with Kiamal Solar Farm. ZEW members purchase and retire large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) to demonstrate reductions in their electricity-related emissions, helping them reach their commitment to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
Last month Stuart Craven and I joined a number of industry and government colleagues on a site visit to Kiamal Solar Farm outside Ouyen. Ironically the day was completely overcast with not a ray of sun to be seen, but we braved the cold and rainy weather and gained a good understanding of how the solar farm operates and the benefits it delivers to ZEW members. The following day we visited three blue mallee plantation sites that make up Wannon Water’s carbon sequestration project, the first of its kind when established in 2009.
From a VicWater perspective, the two days were a great opportunity for us to spend time with members and take on board valuable learnings that will help inform future industry collaborations, most immediately the next phase of our carbon offsets project (see Stuart’s policy update below).
Photo: Zero Emissions Water (ZEW) site tour at Kiamal Solar Farm
I’ll end by mentioning that registrations for our Annual Conference on 13-14 September are now open – see item below. This is our flagship event, bringing together leaders of the Victorian water industry as well as external experts to connect and learn from each other. Last year’s conference sold out (in person) so make sure to get in early!
Proposals have been sought from specialist companies to assist with approaching the carbon offsets market on behalf of the sector in a ‘proof of concept’ phase. Following this market scanning a decision will be made on the best way to establish a delivery vehicle to meet the Victorian water sector’s collective demand for carbon offsets.
VicWater are proud to launch the 2023 Annual Conference:
Navigating the Waters: Adapting to Economic Challenges in the Water Sector
The 2023 Annual Conference will explore the current economic state and how it is impacting the water sector. The conference will bring together leaders and experts to share their experiences and provide insight into how we navigate the waters of these uncertain economic times.
Conference Overview
We have been busy developing an in depth program in line with our economic theme. There is lots more in store and a few surprises on the way. Take a closer look at our program here. We have a terrific line up ofspeakers confirmed already and will be finalising more as we complete our program in the next month.
How do you envision your ideal retirement? It may involve globe-trotting, cherishing moments with your grandchildren, or pursuing a hobby you're passionate about. If you're thinking about retirement, you might be making progress toward a sound financial future, or there may be additional measures you need to take. The following are some essential steps you can take to set yourself on the path to success.
VicWater convenes a Safety Executive Group (SEG) which has representatives from most Victorian water corporations as members with a collective purpose to generate more drive and energy around improving safety leadership and culture across the sector.
As a collective we all do some things well and others less well and of course there is always room to improve. The SEG has been working on a number of projects over the last few years but the key one I want to focus on is the Safety and Wellbeing Commitment.
Please join IWA for these virtual events on Thursday 13 July, commencing at 9am with the Plenary Session & followed by the Special Interest Group Meetings from 10am, streaming concurrently throughout the day.
Plenary Session - 9am - 9:45am
Planning for El Niño and La Niña:
Ideas for an integrated approach for water corporations
With a return to El Niño predicted (a climate driver for dryer and hotter weather conditions), our attention once again returns to the risk of drought and bushfires. With this shift in climate from the recent La Niña weather patterns which saw significant flooding in Victoria and the East Coast, we find ourselves asking how does our changing climate impact on water scarcity?
Tony Wong will provide his perspective on Integrated Water Management, giving us insights from his extensive research and practice in sustainable urban water management, particularly water sensitive urban design.
SIG Meetings - 10am onwards
The Special Interest Groups will be meeting online.
South East Water has announced the recipients of its annual Community Grants Program, with 16 community groups receiving funding to bring important projects to life.
Now in its fourth year, the program has granted over $320,000 to 66 community groups across Melbourne’s south-east, helping make communities better places to live.
Yarra Valley Water to expand EV chargers by over 50%
Yarra Valley Water has announced plans to expand the number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers by more than 50 per cent at its head office in Mitcham. The utility aims to increase the current 14 chargers to a total of 22, with the potential to expand further and accommodate up to 46 chargers in the future.
Veteran farmer, Rob Hornby, is embracing high-tech on-farm improvements made possible by Southern Rural Water's new Newry pipeline.
Rob is one of nearly 30 farmers set to benefit from improved farming efficiencies and water savings as SRW replace open irrigation channels with nearly 23-kilometres of pipeline. These works are part of Phase 2 of the Macalister Irrigation District 2030 modernisation program (MID2030).
ESC approves Barwon Water’s latest 5-year promise to customers
Barwon Water’s prices for the next five years are set to remain amongst the lowest for similar-sized water corporations nationally following the Victorian Essential Services Commission’s (ESC) approval of the utility’s 2023 Price Submission.
Barwon Water will be reducing prices in real terms from 1 July, protecting customers from experiencing the full impact of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price index (CPI).
VicWater are happy to announce we are continuing our partnership with Inside Water and we are looking forward to continuing to showcase important issues and highlight the many great achievements and initiatives within the Victorian Water Industry.
Connecting industry leaders, decision makers, and influencers with emerging professionals, businesses and innovative products and services, Inside Water brings the best of water to Australian professionals in a multi-platform, dedicated professional publication.
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