As the first QWRAP alliance to form, RAPAD has paved the way for regional collaboration. Its maturity and experience in joint procurement and resource sharing have become a model for others, with routine tasks now handled collectively. That knowledge is proving invaluable as SWQWSA and NWQRWA roll out joint activities across their regions.

One standout initiative is the Bore and Borehead Inspection and Assessment Project, which is assessing the condition of critical groundwater infrastructure in remote communities. This work supports long-term asset management and water security planning. From securing permits and coordinating with councils to conducting visual inspections and advanced borehole logging, the project demonstrates how collaboration can deliver practical, cost-effective solutions.

Building on RAPAD’s successful Annual Sewer Rehabilitation Program, SWQWSA has signed a two-year contract to identify future problems and rehabilitate sewer networks where needed. This proactive approach will help councils better understand asset failure, confirm inground assets against current data models, and adopt predictive failure models to guide future investment – critical steps in securing funding for sustainable services.

The SWQWSA is leading the way through innovation with the completion of the SWQWSA Infrastructure Strategy in late 2024. The Alliance, together with the Regional Coordinator, is now progressing the development of a detailed delivery plan to implement the Strategy and advocate for support and funding. The strategy quantifying the infrastructure cliff requirements and investment needs across the south west region. Since its completion, the Alliance has received several enquiries from other regional alliances seeking information and guidance on the process, demonstrating the Strategy’s value as a reference for best practice in infrastructure planning and delivery. The Alliance continues to refine its approach to ensure the Strategy is practical, actionable, and aligned with the needs of member councils, while providing a framework that can support other alliances in undertaking similar initiatives.

The alliances have also aligned their Drinking Water Quality Management audits and reviews dates, allowing for joint procurement projects to be undertaken, creating consistency and efficiency across regions.

These projects highlight the power of QWRAP partnerships. By working together, councils are improving reliability, reducing costs, and building resilience in some of Queensland’s most remote communities. It’s collaboration in action, and it’s making a real difference.