Archive for February 2020
Recreational Access
VicWater is working with DELWP to finalise a scope for a consultant project to provide a state-wide inventory of water storages, and identify cost and timing implications of providing recreational access at currently closed storages, on per-storage basis. The consultant report will address issues such as water treatment augmentations, access infrastructure, safety and security services,…
Read MorePuddle account
VicWater circulated the first draft of 2020 Puddle Account prior to Christmas. The 2020 Puddle Account planning schedule provides two opportunities for water corporation feedback, during January and mid-February. The final Puddle Account is due to water corporations 28 February.
Read MoreVIRT submission
The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal will shortly make a Determination setting the values of remumeration bands for executives employed in prescribed public entities including Victorian water corporations. VicWater is drafting a submission to VIRT on behalf of the industry. For more information on the VIRT submission contact Jo Lim.
Read MoreA Word from the CEO
For me, there was no escaping the numerous puns attributed to the year 2020! Marked by its various mentions, I spent some time reflecting on VicWater’s vision and also its mission. The vision depicts the desired future state or our association. The mission defines what we do to fulfil the vision. Without a vision and…
Read MoreAustralian research on cyanobacteria
Recent Australian research on cyanobacteria with implications for risk management within the water industry Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a diverse group of photosynthetic bacteria with the ability to colonise a range of environmental niches. Given the right environmental conditions they can grow rapidly, forming blooms which impact the environment and a range…
Read MoreHULA
VicWater has formed a working group to review the VicWater High Usage Guidelines and engage with important stakeholders such as the ESC and EWOV. A two-monthly meeting schedule has been set for 2020, with a consultation workshop planned for April.
Read More2021 Water Industry Asset Revaluation
VicWater has confirmed membership and a meeting schedule for the 2021 Water Industry Asset Revaluation Working Group. The Working Group, including water corporations, VAGO, DTF, VGA and DELWP is tasked with reviewing and updating the 2016 water industry asset revaluation methodology.
Read MoreConstruction procurement
During 2020, work will commence on developing a new water industry standard major projects contract. To lead this task, a working group has been formed including representative from Barwon Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, City West Water, Gippsland Water and Goulburn Valley Water. VicWater will coordinate two monthly meetings of the working group…
Read MoreA new draft Buffer Overlay
DELWP has commenced public consultation on a new Buffer Overlay for water assets. DELWP developed the draft Buffer Area Overlay, in response to water industry feedback during 2019. The overlay strengthens planning tools to support proposed updates to the Planning Policy Framework and Clause 53.10. VicWater has been closely involved in earlier phase of the…
Read MoreRed tape reduction – revised statutory land use terms
During 2018 VicWater prepared a submission to the DELWP Land Use Terms Advisory Committee. A focus area for the submission, and subsequent negotiate with DELWP, was the definition of ‘minor utility installation’. The minor utility installation definition plays a significant role in determining planning permit and native vegetation requirements (among other things) for water corporation infrastructure.…
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