Read about the latest news, events and research from VicWater, and your colleagues around the Victorian water sector.
VicWater Update - February 2026
Incorporating IWN
Welcome to our first VicWater Update for 2026!
For me, joining VicWater COO Tara Daniel and water industry colleagues at the Midsumma Pride March on Sunday 1 February was a great way to start the year. The weather was cool but the crowd lining Fitzroy St gave us a warm welcome, and the whole event was a joyous celebration, as always.
Tara Daniel and Jo Lim
Another reason to celebrate the start of the new year is the establishment of Zero Emissions Water Carbon Offsets Ltd – or ZEWCO for short. This represents a major milestone in the carbon offsets project that VicWater has been leading for more than three years, to bring 15 water corporations together for the collective acquisition of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACUUs) to meet net zero targets. We received Ministerial approval just before Christmas, and proceeded to register the company with ASIC in January. Now that ZEWCO is up and running as an independent entity, VicWater will be transitioning out of our support role. I will admit to feeling a bit of FOMO at this point, but I know the ZEWCO Board and members will carry the project forward to realise the benefits of this collaboration – a prime example of VicWater’s ‘Better Together’ ethos.
Finally, I’m delighted to welcome new VicWater team member Lucy Hall, who joined us in January as a part time Project Support Officer. Lucy brings a fresh perspective and valuable experience working with member-based organisations, to help us deliver our key programs of work across VicWater and IWN.
Although some time has passed, I really wanted to take the time to highlight the WaterAble celebration for International Day for People with Disability held on 3 December 2025. This is always the highlight of the WaterAble calendar, and with over 150 people joining us to hear from Mike Rolls, the event was very well attended. Mike was an incredible speaker and really made the audience think. He spoke authentically about building resilience, and I came away with a reminder to approach life with curiosity and empathy, which is always a good lesson to be reminded of. WaterAble is currently planning for 2026 and if you want to know more, please reach out - contact@waterable.com.au.
We’re only just into February, and already there’s been plenty happening across the IWN community. As we wrap up some major milestones from late last year and look ahead to what’s coming, here’s a snapshot of recent highlights and how you can get involved.
Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge (WMCIC)
Late last year, we were proud to announce the winners of the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge. The quality of submissions once again highlighted the strength of collaboration and innovation across the sector.
Joint Winners
Slashing our methane emissions by 50% — installing solar aerators on facultative wastewater lagoons, led by Coliban Water
From Sewers to Solutions: Unlocking the Energy in Wastewater Networks, led by Barwon Water, in partnership with Barwon Asset Solutions, Applied Energy Planning, and STEN
Joint Winner - Megan Kreutzer, Coliban Water
Joint Winners - Suzanne McConchie and Ben Long, Barwon Water
I hope that everyone had a restful and enjoyable festive season. It has been a quiet start to the year so far, but indications are that the rest of 2026 will be anything but quiet.
Carbon Offsets Project
Exciting news, on 23 December we received the Minister for Water’s approval under Section 127 of the Water Act 1989 to establish a company to collectively acquire ACCUs and other high integrity carbon offsets. It is now known as Zero Emissions Water Carbon Offsets or ZEWCO. This is a huge improvement over calling it the SPV. The company has now been registered by ASIC and the first official Board meeting is scheduled for 5 February.
Make sure you register for the Director Development Forum 2026
We are still taking registrations for the 2026 Director Development Forum, taking place on Wednesday 18 March.
The forum consists of one full day program with an optional networking dinner, which has been designed to match the needs of both our newly appointed board members as well as our more experienced leadership cohort.
Key Details
When: Wednesday 18 March 2026
Where: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne
Forum: FREE Optional Dinner: $90 + GST
A Seminar on Economic and Financial Regulation will also be held as a side event to the Director Development Forum, designed for both newly appointed and existing board members of water corporations and will provide a 101 session on economic and financial regulation in the water sector.
Key Details
When: Thursday 19 March 2026
Where: VicWater Office, Level 4, 99 William St, Melbourne and online
Some people can’t wait to retire, while for others, closing the door on working life can be challenging. You may not always get to choose when you retire either – health issues, redundancy or family responsibilities might force you to say goodbye to working life before you’re completely ready.
One of the biggest stressors for people approaching retirement is whether they’ll have enough money. When you’re used to receiving a regular income, the idea of stopping work and living off your retirement savings can feel daunting.
Upcoming WIOA Conference & Development Opportunities
WIOA 2026 Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition- returning to Bendigo for two full days on 25–26 March 2026.
Submit an Abstract to present a project, initiative, or innovative solution to the broader industry (with options to present a poster in a relaxed format or a Paper for a more technical approach).
Nominate a standout team member from the Water Operations workforce for a VIC Award (including our New Operator.
Apply to compete in the Reece Civil + Viadux Main Tapping Competition or the Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water Contest.
Exhibitor Sites and Sponsorship Opportunities- still available for the WIOA 2026 Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition
Network Operator Development Program - Applications are now open to WIOA Members to nominate a staff member in operations.
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams When: Wednesday, 18th February 2026 | 9:30am to 4:00pm
Maintenance of WSUD Assets – Street Scale Systems
Clearwater’s highly requested Maintenance of WSUD Assets – Street Scale Systems training is back, offering a practical, hands-on learning experience for anyone involved in maintaining or influencing the upkeep of street scale water sensitive urban design (WSUD) assets.
When: Tuesday, 17th March 2026 from 9:00am to 4:00pm Where: The Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre, 775 Ballarat Road, Deer Park, Vic 3023
Applications are OPEN for the 2026/2027 Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Programs
The Peter Cullen Trust’s purpose is to foster courageous leadership to tackle big challenges in water and environment. Fuelling this purpose is the Trust’s unique and transformative flagship Leadership Program, held just twice a year for 16 outstanding professionals from Australia’s water and environment sector.
Upgrade at Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant passes halfway mark
South East Water’s major upgrade at Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant has passed a key milestone towards delivering a more resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the Mornington Peninsula’s growing population.
South East Water’s industry partner, Beca, Fulton Hogan, and Interflow (BFHI), has completed the base slabs of the 2 new clarifier tanks that are being constructed to relieve capacity constraints in the secondary treatment system.
New funding available to tackle litter through Melbourne Water
Clearwater are encouraging local communities to take action for waterways, with Melbourne Water’s ‘Bin it or Bring it Home’ Litter Prevention Toolkit — a resource designed to help reduce litter and protect the health of our waterways.
Launched last year, the toolkit was developed in partnership with Shannon Behaviour Change and BehaviourWorks Australia to address a critical gap in public understanding: the direct pathway between everyday urban littering and the pollution that harms our creeks and rivers.
Do you have a water sector event you'd like to promote? Maybe an announcement you'd like us to share on behalf of your organisation? VicWater Update has opened the news and events section of the monthly update to promote visibility of things that are happening within the water sector.
If you'd like something included email Lauren Vines with your request for consideration in our next edition.
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