Most improved LWU wins 2019 Sam Samra Award

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.

The Sam Samra Award was established in 2017 as a memorial and acknowledgement of the late Sam Samra’s long-term contribution and dedication to the water industry. Sam was a great ally of local water utilities in NSW, which benefitted from his commitment over a 50-year period.

The Award is sponsored by DPIE Water, LGNSW and the Water Directorate and is presented each year during the LGNSW Water Management Conference.

Pictured left to right: Brendan Guiney, Executive Officer Water Directorate, Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Brett Corven Divisional Manager Water & Sewer, Director of Infrastructure Warren Sharpe and Project Engineer Harvey Lane. In the centre is LGNSW President Cr Linda Scott followed by Michael Blackmore Director Water Utilities DPIE and Wayne Beatty Chair of the Water Directorate