Industry associations and advocacy groups are doing vital work in training and upskilling their members so that they can focus on what is important.
Over the past month, the Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater) has achieved milestones in workforce development, industry safety, and disaster recovery coordination. These successes reflect qldwater’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Queensland’s water sector.
Advocating for skills and jobs
qldwater is proud to announce its successful Expression of Interest to continue as an Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA) for the next three years. With the Queensland Government investing $17 million to expand the ISJA program, this initiative will enhance industry-training connections across 14 key sectors, including water. It will deliver resources and tailored training support to address evolving workforce needs and support the training and upskilling of industry participants.
The ISJA program plays a vital role in:
- Advocating for industry needs and engaging with employers and stakeholders
- Providing insights into job growth, skills shortages, and training solutions
- Aligning workforce development with regional and industry trends
- Supporting quality training and national VET reforms.
This is a massive opportunity for Queensland’s water sector, reinforcing qldwater’s commitment to securing a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future.
High-pressure water jetting exemption: A major safety win
Following years of advocacy and research, qldwater has secured an exemption from the Office of Industrial Relations for Queensland Water Service Providers on using High-Pressure Water Jetting for sewer cleaning. This exemption (with conditions), valid until 2030, applies to local government water service providers, distributor-retailers, and contractors.
This achievement follows extensive research on asbestos fibres in sewers, biosolids, and treatment plants. The study, conducted with 20 water service providers, was supported by Urban Utilities, Veolia, and WSP, whose expertise helped develop Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to ensure worker safety.
qldwater is working with its members to implement appropriate safety training and localised SWMS through webinars and an online training course.
Coordinating disaster recovery efforts
In addition to these industry wins, qldwater has been actively coordinating recovery efforts following recent extreme weather events across Queensland. By working closely with councils, utilities, and emergency services, qldwater continues to undertake a crucial role in building resilience and ensuring the continuity of essential water services in affected communities.
For more information, visit qldwater.com.au.
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