Q. What is happening to the water industry in SEQ?
Our water supply system in South East Queensland is undergoing major institutional reform. Council-owned water businesses are being separated and moved into a regional system.  Initially, the State Government's water reform model consisted of four State-owned entities (Seqwater, LinkWater, WaterSecure and the Water Grid Manager) and a Local Government-owned single distribution business plus three water retailers.  Following confirmation of a new model, the Local Government-owned entities will consist of three new integrated distribution and retail businesses. 

Q. When and why did the water reform model change?
In May 2009, the State Government indicated they would consider an alternate water reform model if it reduced business implementation costs and met with water reform policy objectives. In response, the Council of Mayors proposed an alternate combined distribution and retail model for Stage 2 of the State Government's water reforms. After considering the proposal, the State Government confirmed its support for the new integrated distribution and retail model on 18 July, 2009.

Q. What are the benefits of having three new integrated distribution and retail businesses?
The establishment of three new integrated distribution and retail businesses instead of a single distribution entity and three retailers, means the new businesses can deliver an integrated, end-to-end water and wastewater service to customers in a clearly defined geographical area. Each region will have just one point of contact for all customer needs and there will be no separation of distribution and retail functions.

Q. Why did the Councils propose an integrated distribution and retail model?
Councils believe the new combined model will reduce new business establishment costs and achieve greater regional synergy around service delivery and planning.

Q. What about the transfer of Council staff to the new businesses? Will there still be a Workforce Framework?
Yes, the original Workforce Framework is still being developed by Council, State Government and Union representatives. Once finalised, it will apply to all three businesses. It will protect job conditions and entitlements when employees move into the new integrated distribution and retail water businesses.

Q. When will employees transition to the new businesses?
These details are currently being finalised along with the Workforce Framework in consultation with Council, State Government and Union representatives.

Q. Will boundaries change for water and wastewater services?
Each new water business will be responsible for providing water, wastewater and recycled water services to customers within the boundaries of their partner councils.

Q. When will the changes to the water industry be finalised?
The new integrated distribution and retail businesses are expected to become operational from July 2010.

Q. Who are the Council of Mayors (SEQ)?
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) was formed in September 2005, as a political advocacy organisation, representing the interests of Councils in South East Queensland (SEQ). The organisation is designed to lobby both Federal and State Governments for funding and support to ensure the continued prosperity of the region. The Council of Mayors (SEQ) represents one voice for one in seven Australians who live in our region. The organisation consists of Mayors representing SEQ Councils. 

Q. What is the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Water Reform Program?
The Water Reform Program is supporting Councils in the separation and transition of the existing water businesses from Councils. The program is assisting the new water businesses with the development of policy and regulatory frameworks.

Q. Who should I call if I have a problem with my water service between now and July 2010?
You will need to contact your local Council until the new water businesses become operational from July 2010.