Reuse project and smarter billing make national water finals

TWO Central Highlands Water (CHW) projects have been represented in the finals of the Australian Water Association National Water Awards announced in Brisbane last week.

CHW projects were among the finalists in two categories, vying for the regional Infrastructure Project Innovation Award, for the $3m Beaufort Reuse for Recreation Project, and also the Customer Experience Award for the corporation’s Quarterly Billing Implementation initiative.

As part of CHW’s 2023–28 Price Submission, the regional water corporation had promised customers more frequent billing, and from 1 November 2024 it transitioned to quarterly billing meaning the annual cost of householders’ bills are now spread over four bills instead of three.

The change is credited with helping customers better manage cash flow and home budgets.

Now complete, the Beaufort Reuse for Recreation project supplies reuse water supply for multiple local recreation facilities while also providing environmental benefits, through reuse of all of Beaufort’s wastewater within the urban setting.

“The awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise the many achievements of individuals and organisations across the water industry,” CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said.

“The water industry collectively strives to improve outcomes for communities and the environment. These awards showcase the critical and creative thinking of the experts in their field, to achieve positive results for all.”

The ultimate winner of the Regional Infrastructure Project Innovation Award was South Australia’s multi-partner Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin On-Ground Works project, which involved large-scale wetland restoration at Lake Hawdon North to support conservation of endangered and vulnerable species.

Melbourne Water took out the Customer Experience Award for its Future Water Story project, an immersive, technology-enhanced experience credited with strengthening water literacy and empowering people to make informed, waterwise decisions.