The South West Queensland Water Alliance (SWQWA) provides potable water services to 26 communities with a total of 10,545 connections, and sewerage services to 8,109 connections across 14 communities. 

While attraction and retention of engineering and technical staff is a challenge for the Queensland Water Sector, the size, scale and remoteness of this region made the task virtually impossible for the individual Councils to achieve. A collaborative approach was needed to attract young engineers into the region. 

According to Peter See, Director of Engineering Services at Quilpie Shire Council and current Chair of the SWQWA, this collaborative project involves the joint recruitment of a graduate engineer to be shared amongst the 6 participating Councils including Balonne, Bulloo, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Maranoa. 

“The graduate engineer position will be employed in Roma at Maranoa Regional Council and funding for the position will be shared by participating Councils under a cost sharing arrangement,” Peter explains. 

“The initial contract provides full-time employment for a period of 3 years, incorporating 6 x 6 monthly rotations to each of the SWQWA Councils and the graduate must agree to participate in the rotation program as a condition of employment.” 

The Employment package for the graduate engineer includes:  

• above award salary to compete with other sectors e.g. mining 
• accommodation, including local accommodation at each rotation location  
• relocation assistance  
• work vehicle  
• on-the-job training and mentoring  
• supported and funded professional development leading to professional accreditation  
• guaranteed term of employment (subject to satisfactory performance).  

QWRAP Bid Pool funding will help Councils to fund travel across the region as well as the professional development activities as part of the program. 

We welcome Bronwen to the water sector and look forward to following her journey across the region.