Urban Utilities

Love your local waterways and greenspaces? Us too! That’s why we’ve partnered with Healthy Land & Water and The University of Queensland to discover what your great outdoor experiences are – whether it’s a walk, swim, run, paddle, fish or picnic. We want to make sure you and future generations can continue to enjoy our local waterways, parks, and bushland; however, you choose to! Have your say, anonymously by taking part in this short survey: https://lnkd.in/e5xhM-wZ #WaterWays #EcosystemHealth #OutdoorActivities #HealthyLandWater #CommunitySurvey 

“I like the idea of working in my own backyard. I’ve grown up in Brisbane so now it’s nice to know I’m making a difference to the lives of my family and friends in my hometown.” Before she became our Futures Strategist, where she gives environmental strategic advice daily, Eva McLoughlin's journey began in our Graduate Program. Studying a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Queensland, Eva didn’t have a clear idea in mind of the career path she wanted to take. During her last semester of study, she met the Urban Utilities team at a careers fair and was enthralled by the way we were innovating with environmental science. “At the time, I didn’t realise a water utility was doing these great, groundbreaking things,” Eva reflects. Applying for the graduate program, Eva reminisces one of the key moments that shaped her desire to work here was the assessment centre day. “It was so eye-opening,” Eva says. “Learning about the organisation, hearing from senior leaders, completing problem solving activities, one-on-one discussions with previous grads, and a whole variety of different things throughout the day, gave me a good, real picture of what working here would be like.” “And then it was such a great feeling when I earned the gig!” Whether she was conducting drought analysis mapping in the strategy and planning team, or completing fish and turtle catch-and-release initiatives at SAS Laboratory, Eva loved being able to practically use her science degree. Becoming a graduate, Eva rotated through the business over two years which she says was “so valuable” in learning about all the different parts that go into delivering clean water each day, and treating wastewater so it’s safe to return to the environment. A moment that she is most proud of, was working on how we manage our sewerage services in wet weather, which Eva later went on to co-present at the national industry conference OzWater. “It was amazing to work on real stuff that can impact our community. I didn’t expect to be given so much agency and choice, and be supported by managers who genuinely cared about my interests,” Eva says. Eva also credits her mentor throughout the program in shining a light on the possibilities and big-scale opportunities available to women in the world of water. “I was given a big picture view of the industry and what I could achieve which was so inspiring,” she reminisces. Now, when Eva works in assessing our service territory of SEQ, and the regulatory environment, to help plan for the future, she is forever grateful for her first start through the graduate program. “It’s an unparalleled opportunity. You are given real responsibilities and real deliverables, but everyone is there to support your development just as much. You have a licence to learn.” Thanks for sharing your story with us, Eva. Our UrbanGrad 2025 Graduate Program is now open. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gbxuDz9W

We’re always talking about growth in the water biz – of our communities, of our 19,000-kilometre network, and all the wonderful things in our lives brought to life by water. It doesn’t stop there. We also care about the growth of our people. That’s what Emerging Water Professionals is all about! Whether new to your career, the water industry, or your role with us, the group fosters the growth of our people and empowers them with professional skills to progress in their career. It’s good fun too! Get to know your colleagues, and industry peers through barefoot bowls, karaoke or trivia, and build a valuable support group at the same time.  From hosting lunch and learns, attending industry networking and social events and supporting important calendar events like RUOK Day and Pride Month – there’s something for everyone. We love to see the real, lasting positive impact our Emerging Water Professionals group has on our people! 👏

We're cheering on a new green and gold era (just add water)! While we're glued to our screens watching our athletes compete on the world stage, it's cold outside, so we’re often using more energy and water to keep us warm. We thought that was the perfect time to combine our love of gold glory, with some ways to save water around the home this winter.

Have you met our Water Rangers? Brodie is one of our Water Rangers who help kids learn what they can flush, and what they should toss in the bin, to protect our pipes, and our planet. Brodie and the team have just clocked 140 school visits this year, teaching over 18,000 kids about the water cycle, how to be a water warrior, and fascinating facts about what goes on beneath the streets. Today, on World Ranger Day, Brodie reminds all of us to only flush the 3Ps – pee, poo, and paper! World Ranger Day recognises the wonderful work rangers do to protect the world’s natural treasures, including our water and waterways here in South East Queensland. #WorldRangerDay

Is the ultimate flex dressing like your water bottle? We think so, as big (reusable) bottle lovers! It’s clean, green and reduces unnecessary plastic waste with each sip and refill. Plastic Free July is all about reducing the single-use plastic in your life, but we like to live and breathe that every day. #PlasticFreeJuly

While Olympics pools are trending, here are some fun facts…

Beautiful blue gums… from every perspective we could master! Each day, the recycled water from the Helidon community of 1,100, brings these 7 hectares of native blue gum trees to life at our forest in the Lockyer Valley. Once common across our region, sadly these beautiful blue gums are now endangered, leaving our local koalas struggling to find a home. That’s why we built a forest full of trees perfect for koalas to eat and seek shade in. Already we’ve seen a few koalas visit to chill out in the tree branches and chew some gum! We’re incredibly proud of our team who have worked together with community and council to build a drought-proof forest for one of Australia’s most adored animals. 🌳 Happy National Tree Day! 🌳 #NationalTreeDay #LockyerValley #Helidon #Koala #Koalas #Environment

💦We're super excited to have just published our first ever kids' magazine - Big Splash!💦   Our education team has just clocked a whopping 140 school incursions this year, touring our five service regions and teaching over 18,000 kids about the water cycle, how to be a water warrior, and fascinating facts about what goes on beneath the streets.    The magazine will be given out to primary school kids after participating in one of our shows or workshops (or at a kids community event), to continue their learning journey as well as encourage intergenerational learning for children and their families.   Keep an eye out at your kid's school to see if they come home with a Big Splash - or reach out if you'd like a copy for yourself!

It must be something in the water, and the way we live, that primes us for water sports at the Olympics! We’ll be waving the Aussie flag as our athletes hit the pool and ocean. In pre-games fever, we took a look at all the sports brought to life by water, and our part in it.