Twinning Discussion Paper
Date: 29-Jun-2017
The qldwater Technical Reference Group is considering whether to trial a formal program to support remote councils in Queensland by helping them engage more with other larger service providers.
Our industry is particularly good at sharing knowledge and skills in times of natural disasters, but past attempts to establish relationships (outside of regional programs like QWRAP) have led to mixed results.
qldwater regularly receives requests for support; typically when faced with an unusual treatment or other technical issue or critical staff shortage. Our standard response to requests is to ascertain what expertise is needed and then offer contacts for initial advice, other service providers who may assist or consultants/ contractors. We are slowly building a resource (The Queensland Water Directory) on our web site based on some of these enquiries.
At this stage we are simply seeking to establish whether there is interest from our membership in establishing a trial program among one or more service providers.
For more information, please visit our website
Objectives
What’s in it for the industry broadly
- To fill a gap which currently exists in QWRAP planning for example – there are many locations where even a regional collective of councils will struggle to source the necessary capacity to manage issues.
- To demonstrate leadership, industry coordination and a culture of support for regional Queensland.
- A more defined network to improve communication of advice, track expertise and issues.
- “Formalisation” of industry collaboration/support for increased recognition and more transparent cost recovery.
What’s in it for small providers
- Access to cost effective expertise.
- Potentially increased comfort with “impartial” advice, rather than being reliant on the sometimes confusing diversity of options offered by consultants.
What’s in it for large providers
- A clear profile with the state – and linkages to other programs including QWRAP.
- Good news stories to promote to owners/ stakeholders and communities.
- Potential future commercial/ cost sharing opportunities – an opportunity to promote services including co-investment in existing systems.
To complete the expression of interest form, please visit our website http://www.qldwater.com.au/reports_position_papers
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