Supporting the National Water Skills Strategy
| Objective: | To support knowledge and capacity building in the water industry |
| Funding: |
Up to $1.1m plus applicable GST |
| Jurisdiction: | National |
| Commencing: | 2009 |
| Completion: | May 2012 |
About the project
The National Water Skills Strategy developed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) aims to address the emerging skills shortage facing the water industry. This will be achieved through a cooperative effort between industry and government. This project will support the implementation of the Strategy by funding a number of skills-related initiatives, as follows:
- A pilot program will trial the development of training in water management skills for remote and indigenous communities. This will help equip remote communities with the technical skills needed to operate and maintain the infrastructure and other facilities that will be provided through a separate $50 million allocation from Water for the Future. This initiative supports the COAG Strategy on Water and Wastewater Services in Remote Communities.
- A second initiative will develop a certification framework to ensure that operators of potable water treatment facilities have the requisite skills to undertake their work. Currently, there are no nationally agreed minimum skills and training standards for these operators, which poses a potential public health risk.
- A third initiative will provide funding on a three-for-one basis to support the H2Oz water industry marketing campaign (the water industry's own initiative aimed at addressing the skills shortage), as well as supporting the development of a Business Plan by the Australian Water Association which will provide a blueprint for implementation of the COAG National Water Skills Strategy.
Project benefits
It is anticipated that this project will result in increased recruitment into the water industry, improved management of potable water facilities and improved maintenance and operation of water infrastructure across the country, especially in remote communities.