Bundaberg Regional Council is taking an innovative approach to water treatment, complementing engineered solutions with environmental treatment options.

It's National Water Week and Bundaberg Regional Council says a culture of innovation is helping to shape the future of its water services delivery.

Branch Manager Water Services Narelle D’Amico said the Council had a vision to be the best regional community in Australia.

“You can really only do that if you develop leadership and innovation culture,” Narelle said.

“We’ve certainly been tapping into industry bodies and advocacy groups to ensure we’re getting the best outcome for our community.

“Council is leveraging off State and Federal Government initiatives around environmental offsetting and considering where those methods can be used in place of traditional engineering solutions.

“As a water business we’re investing in our network to provide and advocate for change in the way we traditionally source and treat products.”

Bundaberg Regional Council Water Services Manager Narelle D'Amico talks about innovation in water services delivery during National Water Week.

Narelle said offsetting will enable Council, through its water operations, to invest positively in to the environment and community.

“We’re actually looking at whether or not we can change the way we view the need for engineered water and wastewater solutions.

“Currently there is a greater focus on riparian investment at our discharge locations.

“Instead of us trying to use facilities and technology to eliminate nitrate and phosphorous in our treatment process we’re looking at whether or not we can use complementary approaches, allowing for the environment to further treat naturally.”

Narelle said a collaboration with neighbouring councils, through the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils, was also helping to improve processes.

“I think it’s innovative in the way our councils are working together,” she said.

“We’re learning from the lessons and achievements of other water businesses and sharing our information in a collaborative way.”

In addition to water services innovation, Bundaberg’s culture of innovation was also showcased at the Queensland Local Government conference in Cairns on Tuesday.

He cited examples such as Council’s leadership of a collaborative project to reduce urban glow, collecting data to assess light pollution impacts on nesting turtles.

Narelle said Council was pleased to align with Australian Water Association as the principle partner for its National Water Week campaign.

“They really provide a strong benchmark for a water business and between our two organisations, there’s a good alignment in the vision.”