Queensland - Water Regional Alliances Program
Assisting and promoting regional collaboration is a primary function of LGAQ and qldwater. The two organisations have been working jointly regional collaboration initiatives for the urban water industry since 2006 and this program was expanded in June 2010 with a joint Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM).
Regional collaboration was called into focus strongly in early 2011 with the release of national reviews of the urban water industry that have been critical of Queensland and NSW water industries. For example, the Productivity Commission called for Queensland and NSW State Governments to review institutional arrangements to seek greater economies of scale for water service providers.
LGAQ has responded by proposing an industry-led review of potential collaborative arrangements and has successfully sought support and funding from the State until 2012. The aim is to determine the risks and benefits of different collaboration models in three pilot regions in Queensland where councils will consider the best ongoing model for their water services.
In late July, Minister Nolan supported a proposal led by LGAQ to examine the appropriateness of collaborative approaches and institutional change outside South-East Queensland. The Minister announced funding support for a project developed from this proposal and qldwater was been appointed by LGAQ as the program manager for the program. More information will be available on this site as the program evolves.
Pilot Regions
The program allows for review and support processes in three pilot regions. The following regions have agreed to particpate in the project.
Region 1
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) group of councils has confirmed participation in the program including inkind and cash contributions to review collaborative arrangements for provision of water services across their member councils. RAPAD members may access the restricted QWRAP-RAPAD page here.
Region 2
Three councils in Far North Queensland (FNQ) have confirmed participation in the program through the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils. They are Cassowary Coast, Cairns and Tablelands Regional Councils.
Region 3
To be announced. Initial discussions have commenced with councils in eastern Central Queensland.
Further Information
Project Steering Committee
Members of the Project Steeering Committee may Login here.