The Sam Samra Award

The Sam Samra Award for Most Improved Local Water Utility for 2023 has been awarded to Shoalhaven Water for their extensive and proactive contribution to the Regulatory Assurance Framework in the Town Water Risk Reduction Program. Shoalhaven Water stood out in the eyes of the judges as the winner for 2023 by going above and beyond business as usual in contributing extensively to the development of DPE’s Regulatory Assurance Framework, benefiting all Local Water Utilities across regional NSW.  

Congratulations to the water team at Wingecarribee Shire Council for winning the Sam Samra Award 2020 (pictured left Brendan Guiney with Stace Lewer, Manager Assets). This award recognises improved performance by a local water utility, and is co-sponsored by the Water Directorate, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and Local Government NSW.

The judges found that Wingecarribee had made effective use of DPIE’s IWCM framework to develop its IWCM strategy. They commended the LWU for taking ownership in using the planning tool and embedding it into its day-to-day business. 

Wingecarribee demonstrates an effective asset management system and continually works on improving asset management practices and systems. During 2019/20 the Council updated its asset management plan and financial plan. Wingecarribee has commenced implementation of a digital solution for monitoring water supply flows and pressure to better manage water losses and improve water efficiency.

Major achievement in strategically planning their water and sewerage services and infrastructure priorities has seen Eurobodalla Shire Council awarded the 2019 Sam Samra Award, as the most improved Local Water Utility in NSW in 2018-19. Eurobodalla was chosen from 89 eligible local water utilities, recognising the successful development and implementation of its Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy.

Eurobodalla was the first local water utility in NSW to update its Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy in 2016-17 in accordance with the NSW Government's revised 2014 IWCM framework and checklist. Eurobodalla has embedded the IWCM strategy outcomes into its annual business planning process including annual updating of the key risks and assumptions.

Eurobodalla achieved another first in 2004, when it piloted NSW's first Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy in partnership with the NSW Government, demonstrating significant environmental, social and economic benefits when compared with the traditional water management approach.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council was awarded the 2018 Sam Samra Award in recognition of progress following the amalgamation of the former Snowy River, Cooma-Monaro and Bombala Shires.

After amalgamation the Snowy Monaro Regional Council undertook a water supply and sewerage pricing review, and streamlined and harmonised its pricing. It also implemented user-pays non-residential sewer charges. This process involved intensive community consultations and the council had to remain strong against pressure from stakeholders, particularly businesses that faced significant increases in bills.

The winner was determined by a judging panel from a shortlist of three LWUs whose projects delivered major performance improvements. This award was presented at the Echidna Gully Function Centre in Armidale at LGNSW's 2018 Water Management Conference dinner.