Councillor awareness and training
In response to feedback from the local water utility sector, we are developing a suite of materials to raise awareness of the risks in water management and the roles and responsibilities for councillors and other decision makers in regional NSW water utilities. The materials include an induction handbook, an induction webinar for newly elected councillors and case studies that highlight the roles decision makers and water utilities take in various scenarios in managing water services.
Councillor induction webinar
New and experienced councillors are encouraged to watch this webinar, which focuses on the importance of water services to regional communities, and role and responsibilities of councillors.
The webinar was recorded in April 2022 as part of the Office of Local Government’s Hit the Ground Running councillor induction webinar series.
Water: Make it your business
The Town Water Risk Reduction Program’s councillor induction webinar 'Water: Make it your business' is now available.
Video series
Role and responsibilities of councillors in regional NSW local water utilities
Mayors and councillors from regional NSW Council-owned local water utilities share their experiences and insights on the importance of water management.
Water is our business
Councillors share why water is an important part of Council’s business.
Water industry induction handbook for decision-makers
The induction handbook is a resource for decision makers operating in a regional Council-owned local water utility, especially for councillors in councils and county councils.
The handbook is designed to support councillors and water managers understand the services of their local water utility. By posing questions and considerations the handbook provides guidance on some of the decisions that may be needed. The Word version of the handbook can be edited to make it specific to your local water utility. The handbook was updated in January 2023 to reflect the new Regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities.
Councils and local water utilities can also use our editable induction presentation template (PPTX, 5943.51 KB) when inducting new councillors.
Induction handbook
Download your copy of the Water industry induction handbook for decision-makers.
PDF Version (PDF, 813KB)Induction handbook
Download your copy of the Water industry induction handbook for decision-makers.
Microsoft word (DOCX, 35KB)Case studies
We have developed 6 case studies with local councils from across NSW about managing local water utility incidents and events. These case studies provide insights into the risks and opportunities facing local water utility decision-makers.
- Managing discoloured water – Bathurst Regional Council (PDF. 470KB)
- Managing a contamination incident – Kempsey Shire Council (PDF. 244KB)
- Managing a chemical overdose incident – MidCoast Council (PDF. 239KB)
- Managing a recycled water cross contamination event – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PDF. 250KB)
- Managing coinciding events to manage water quality – Tenterfield Shire Council (PDF. 221KB)
- Managing a dam safety event – Upper Lachlan Shire Council (PDF. 290KB)