Showcasing true collaboration in action, the second Murray Cluster Operations Expo brought together an alliance of five Victorian water corporations and two New South Wales councils to share learnings across the sector.
Goulburn Valley Water hosted more than 70 operational staff and leaders from Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, North East Water, Lower Murray Water and Coliban Water, along with Federation Council and Albury City Council at its Seymour depot to showcasing innovative techniques that are setting the tone for the industry.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director, Steve Capewell, said the expo was a testament to the strength of regional partnerships.
“This event highlights what we can achieve when we come together – not just to share knowledge, but to build a future-ready workforce,” Dr Capewell said.
The expo featured a range of technical demonstrations and presentations, including drone-led storage profiling that Goulburn Valley Water is using across 74 sites, a mock sewer pump station training exercise, and updates on Blue-Green Algae management.
Goulburn Valley Water Manger Water Services and Quality, Mark Putman, delivered an address on Blue-Green Algae treatment techniques, while also showcasing drone applications in surveying potable storages.
The discussion around ozone nano bubble oxidisation technology, trialled in partnership with Melbourne Water and Monash University, celebrated the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment method trialled in a raw water application at Numurkah.
“We’re seeing real innovation in how we manage water quality and respond to environmental challenges,” Dr Capewell said.
“From algae blooms to flood events, our teams are better equipped when we share resources and expertise.”
The expo also showcased safety advancements, including the use of spider lifts for working at heights, rescue trailers for confined space operations, and the importance of trained rescue operators.
