Originally published in 2011, Charles Fishman’s The Big Thirst remains as strikingly relevant today as it was over a decade ago. Fishman’s storytelling is both journalistic and poetic. It is a a captivating blend of science, history, and human observation. He reminds us that water, the most ordinary substance in our lives, is also theContinueContinue reading “Book Review: The Big Thirst by Charles Fishman”
Category Archives: Water Policy and Regulation
Metro Vancouver vs Melbourne Water
Since moving to Vancouver, one of the biggest professional reality checks has been just how different the the water sector is here compared to what I was used to in Melbourne, Australia. At first glance, the structures appear similar: like Melbourne Water, Metro Vancouver oversees drinking water supply and sewage treatment for the metro area.ContinueContinue reading “Metro Vancouver vs Melbourne Water”
The laws protecting our water quality
Water quality impacts us all and that impact is felt in many different ways when water is used for agriculture, recreation, industry and drinking. In this post, we will focus primarily on the Victorian laws that are intended to protect water quality of the surface and groundwater resources. This is distinguished from the quality ofContinueContinue reading “The laws protecting our water quality”
The Case for Mandatory Registration of Chemical Engineers in Victoria
In recent years, Victoria has taken significant steps in ensuring the competence and accountability of engineering practice. Mandating registration for engineers in disciplines like fire safety, civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering signifies the government’s commitment to upholding standards in crucial areas of engineering sector. However, one notable discipline absent from this list is chemicalContinueContinue reading “The Case for Mandatory Registration of Chemical Engineers in Victoria”
Navigating the Unique Landscape of Victoria’s Water Industry: A Primer
In the vast expanse of Australia’s water management systems, Victoria stands out for its unique approach. Unlike some of its counterparts in other jurisdictions, Victoria enjoys a decentralised water industry. This intricate network involves various entities, including catchment authorities, rural, urban, and metro water corporations, working together to serve the needs of nearly 6.5 millionContinueContinue reading “Navigating the Unique Landscape of Victoria’s Water Industry: A Primer”
Rivers – a Living Entity or a Legal Person
I first came across the concept of Legal Personhood of natural entities as part of organising an unrelated event for the Australian Water Association. The idea seemed interesting enough to linger on long after. Coincidentally, I came across it again while taking an environmental law course where I had the opportunity to explore it withContinueContinue reading “Rivers – a Living Entity or a Legal Person”
Water Authority Price Submissions for 2023-2028
From time to time, water authorities submit a proposal to the Essential Services Commission for review to justify the amount of revenue they are likely to need in the following period. These proposals usually take into account customer feedback, critically needed capital investments and forecast operating expenses to generate a reasonable charge rate for useContinueContinue reading “Water Authority Price Submissions for 2023-2028”
The law shaping the water industry
The water industry in Victoria is unique. Water authorities in Victoria are state-owned entities that are run similar to commercial businesses responsible for their own financial decisions and viability. This unique arrangement was created by the passing of Water Industry Act 1994. The water industry prior to this law was a monopoly with Metropolitan BoardContinueContinue reading “The law shaping the water industry”
Victoria’s new Environmental Protection Law
From 1st of July 2021, the new Environmental Protection Act 2017 comes into force after a year of delay in its implementation to give businesses and public an opportunity to deal with the growing concerns posed by COVID-19 pandemic. New laws. New responsibilities. The new legislation follow an independent enquiry chaired by Amy Armytage toContinueContinue reading “Victoria’s new Environmental Protection Law”
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