Water Industry Reference Committee (IRC)
The Water IRC is made up of industry leaders and experts and acts as a conduit between the Water industry and the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC).
The Water industry provides vital services that are fundamental to our economic growth, providing water and sewerage systems to households and businesses, and irrigation water in agriculture. The Water IRC are responsible for ensuring the NWP Water Training Package meets the needs of the industry and provides nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications for occupations involved in:
- Water Industry Operations
- Treatment
- Networks
- Catchment and Dams
- Irrigation
- Hydrographic Survey
- Trade Waste
- Drinking Water
- Wastewater
- Irrigation Water Supply
- Hydrometric Monitoring
The Committee
Chair: George Wall, Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA)
Deputy Chair: Robert Allen, Icon Water
Committee members:
Akhil Palta, South Australian Water
David Cameron, Queensland Water
David Scott, United Services Union/Australian Service Union
Debra Henderson, City West Water
Jason Ip, NSW Water Directorate
Jeff Rigby, Water Services Association of Australia
Melissa Flynn, TasWater
Neil Hooley, Water Corporation
Steven Porter, Power and Water Corporation
Les Dallis, Sydney Water Corporation
Peter Morison, VIC Water
Anthony Evans, Wannon Water

George Wall
Water Industry Reference Committee Chair
George Wall is the Managing Director of the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia.
George has been involved in the water industry in a variety of roles since 1989, having started out as a wastewater treatment operator with Goulburn Valley Water before progressing to senior management roles.
George is a life member of the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia and has been the association’s Secretary Treasurer since 1995.
Having experienced the water industry in both operational and management roles, George has an excellent understanding of issues from both perspectives. He has been a strong advocate for the training and ongoing professional development of staff and has been instrumental in the establishment and implementation of an operator certification scheme.
George brings a wealth of diverse experience to the work of the Water IRC and is a passionate advocate for Vocational Educational and Training.

IRC Meeting Minutes
Summary minutes are shared for all IRC meetings to provide a high level summary of key issues discussed.

Tricia Fidock
Industry Skills Specialist - Water