WQRA Research Blueprint Consultation

A discussion paper – Towards a WQRA Research Blueprint: 2012-2016 – has been drafted to support and foster dialogue with WQRA members and key stakeholders on the future priorities for WQRA research investment. Input from discussions is a key element of WQRA’s consultation process to establish a five-year Research Blueprint for WQRA – a document that will set the direction for WQRA’s research over the next five years.

Following the release of the Discussion Paper at the 2011 WQRA AGM (October), WQRA is now seeking input and comments on the information contained in the discussion paper.

WQRA is facilitating several direct paths of engagement, including targeted one-on-one discussions with WQRA industry members and key players in the water sector who are responsible for the continued delivery of safe and fit-for-purpose water to the community. WQRA is looking to gain a clearer understanding of the water quality challenges facing the water sector, both in the immediate future and in the longer term.

We are now seeking information and input from WQRA industry members and key decision makers within the Australian water industry on their businesses' concerns/issues in the area of water quality, with a focus on public health outcomes.

The information gathered during the industry consultation phase will be used to inform the research strategy workshops that WQRA is convening in early December 2011, as well as the final WQRA Research Blueprint and the prioritisation of research investment.

Industry consultation is currently being undertaken and WQRA is endeavouring to meet with all key players prior to Christmas.

Currently, WQRA senior staff are visiting:
Yarra Valley (14 November): J. Dawe; D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
GHD (14 November: J. Dawe
Melbourne Water (15 November): J. Dawe; D. Halliwell: G. Roeszler
Department of Health, Victoria (15 November): J. Dawe; M. Moore
Water Corporation (17 November): J. Dawe; M. Akeroyd
NHMRC (21 November): M. Akeroyd
DSEWPaC (22 November): M. Akeroyd
NWC (22 November): M. Akeroyd
SA Water (24 November) J. Dawe; M. Akeroyd
Sydney Catchment Authority (28 November): J. Dawe
Central Highlands Water (30 November): D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
GWMWater (30 November): D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
Australian Water R&D Coalition (30 November): J. Dawe
Queensland Health (30 November): J.Dawe
SEQWater (1 December): J. Dawe
Veolia Water (1 December): J. Dawe
Coliban Water (1 December): D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
South East Water Limited (2 December): J. Dawe
Hunter Water (7 December): J. Dawe
Barwon Water (8 December): D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
Australian Water Association (8 December): J. Dawe
Goulburn Valley Water (20 December): D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler

Dates to be confirmed:
Degremont: J. Dawe
City West Water: D. Halliwell
Wannon Water: D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
Gippsland Water: D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
Department of Health (NSW): J.Dawe
Cradle Mountain Water: D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
Ben Lomond Water: D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler
Southern Water: D. Halliwell; G. Roeszler

Any WQRA industry members who do not have a meeting scheduled with WQRA, and who would like one, are encouraged to contact Susan Spragg at susan.spragg@wqra.com.au.

In addition to the industry consultation, WQRA will be convening two members’ workshops specifically focussing on the key areas of concern in water quality: Chemicals of Concern (5 December, Melbourne) and Pathogens (12 December, Adelaide) to provide valued information for the five-year WQRA Research Blueprint.

Members can access the discussion paper for the Research Blueprint here, and event details for the workshops, here.