During 2007-08 the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) delivered strong results against its Corporate Plan 2007-2012. The year was characterised by a changing operating environment resulting from the rapid and welcome rainfall which boosted dam levels in mid 2007. Rising dam levels allowed for easing of water restrictions and reinstatement of environmental flows. It meant that the Metropolitan Water Plan groundwater project could be shelved and the amount of water transferred from the Shoalhaven reduced.
For most of the year the transfer of water from the Shoalhaven system played an important role in drought response with nearly 200,000 megalitres of water transferred to the Nepean and Warragamba dams. Over the course of the drought the Shoalhaven scheme has met around 30 percent of greater Sydney’s water consumption.
Water quality challenges during the year included the detection of blue-green algae in Warragamba Dam. The SCA was able to call on its state-of-the-art modelling and predictive tools to track and monitor water quality in the dam. Our detailed knowledge of the reservoir combined with the use of Warragamba’s flexible dam off-take arrangements enabled the SCA to select the best quality water available to supply for treatment. The SCA, Sydney Water and NSW Health worked closely operating the supply system so that it continued to provide high quality water to customers.
The SCA initiated actions as part of the blue-green algae action plan to minimise, as far as possible, the likelihood and impact of a future occurrence of an algal outbreak, to provide early warning of potential algae outbreaks, and maximise the time available for appropriate response actions. Various science and research programs mean that in the future there will be a number of additional tools to assist in the ongoing management of water quality including solar powered mixers that circulate the upper 20 metres of water in Warragamba Dam for up to one kilometre upstream from the dam wall. These mixers are being trialled in Warragamba Dam but may also have broader application in managing water quality across the supply system.
Against this backdrop we continued to successfully manage, maintain and operate the water supply providing an uninterrupted and reliable supply of quality water to more than four million people in Sydney, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains and the Shoalhaven.
The SCA undertook targeted actions to achieve sustainable catchments through specific interventions such as funding the upgrade of sewage treatment plants that reduced the level of phosphorous and nitrogen into catchment rivers by an estimated 7.5 and 18 tonnes respectively during the year.
Our strategic partnerships resulted in the delivery of key major Metropolitan Water Plan projects and ongoing work to help local government and other agencies to implement the regional plan. It is pleasing to see that the outcomes of these partnerships – the deep water access projects and the regional plan, achieved external recognition from both public and private sector bodies during the year.
A safety culture incorporating safety into all aspects of work is a particular focus of the Board. The SCA implemented a new occupational health and safety system which supports safety as the main priority for all of our people. The Board is focused on the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.
Over the year a new Chief Executive, Michael Bullen and new Board members were appointed to the SCA bringing new leadership, perspectives and talents to the organisation. I welcome Michael and the new Board members and thank those Board members who continue their service from our previous Board.
Much of the reporting period that this annual report addresses, occurred under the previous Board and its Chairman, John Whitehouse. John was the inaugural Chairman of the Board and on behalf of all I would like to thank John for his clear vision and strong leadership over the years and for providing the current Board with a firm basis on which to continue the activities of the SCA. I also extend my thanks to the previous Board members for their invaluable contributions.
I would also like also to acknowledge and thank Ian Tanner, who acted in the Chief Executive role for much of the year. His day to day management of the organisation allowed for continued seamless service delivery through some challenging operating conditions.
On behalf of my Board colleagues I wish to thank the dedicated staff of the SCA for their continued efforts and enthusiasm throughout the year. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of my Board colleagues and thank them for their contributions.
The Board is looking forward to the coming year and has a number of initiatives in place and opportunities to further the work of the organisation. The year ahead brings with it the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal review of the SCA’s prices. It will also see the SCA working with other agencies to integrate new supply and recycling initiatives.
The SCA is well positioned to face the challenges of the year ahead. With our focus on sustainability, efficiency and business improvements we will continue working towards our vision – Healthy Catchments, Quality Water – Always.
Robert Rollinson
Chairman
