National Water Skills Audit - Australian Water Association

Stage 3: Final Audit ReportProduce a final report that:• addresses each of the points included in Stage 1;• addresses the comments provided by the Water Sub Group in Stage 2;• includes an executive summary of the work undertaken and the key findings ofthis project;• includes a glossary of terminology used in the final report;• includes a bibliography of all reference materials referred to in the final report;and• is prepared in a simple English style of writing and is produced to a publicationready level (i.e. grammar, spelling etc, has been checked by someone who hasprofessional editorial skills).The final audit report will be required by 9 June 2008 to be presented to COAG at itsnext meeting on 3 July 2008.PHASE 2: NATIONAL WATER SKILLS STRATEGYStage 4: National StrategyBuilding on the audit, develop a national strategy for addressing the gaps identified inthe audit including options to provide additional water-sector relevant education andtraining positions via Government Skills Australia and other government programs.The strategy should address the need to:• attract and retain skilled staff in the water industry, whilst giving dueconsideration to the effects of market forces on staff availability, including inrural and regional areas• augment the technical skills base in the water industry• improve the training and skills support base for rural water managers (such ascouncils and property managers)• develop a capacity building strategy for remote and regional communities,particularly Indigenous communities, to build practical skills in water resourcemanagement and planning.The draft strategy is to be completed by 29 August 2008.Stage 5: National Strategy Feedback• With the completion of Stage 4, the Consultant shall circulate the draft strategy tothe Department and Water Sub Group Committee.• Comments received on the draft strategy are to be considered by the Consultant inthe preparation of the final version of the report. \The Water Sub Group will assess the draft strategy report and provide comments backto the Consultant by 12 September 2008.Stage 6: Final Audit ReportProduce a final report that:• addresses each of the points included in Stage 4;• addresses the comments provided by the Water Sub Group in Stage 5;0708-1210 National Water Skills Audit and Strategy