The Water Corporation has brought a further 22 high-tech roles in-house, following the successful transfer of more than 400 employees from private alliance partnerships earlier this year.
Announcing the move, the Corporation said the recent expansion of the Operational Technology (OT) Maintenance and Support Team created 18 permanent positions that were previously outsourced, as well as four new positions.
“OT is a critical function that underpins the State’s water, wastewater, irrigation and drainage network across 2.6 million square kilometres,” the Corporation said.
“It allows its critical infrastructure and processes to be remotely monitored and controlled, supporting real-time, data-driven decision-making.
“Securing these essential skills and knowledge provides a platform to build critical OT capability necessary for future service delivery enhancements and improved efficiencies. In addition, a cost saving of $219,000 per annum will be realised.”
The Corporation said that earlier this year, more than 400 staff from two private alliances transitioned into the Water Corporation’s Water and Wastewater Network Operations Group, 25 years after they were privatised.
Minister for Water, Dave Kelly said the previous operational technology maintenance structure was weighted towards external contractors, which meant much of that knowledge and expertise sat outside the Water Corporation.
“The decision to bring OT control, skills, knowledge and intellectual property wholly in-house, further strengthens the security and resilience of the Water Corporation’s critical infrastructure, while reducing costs for the State,” Mr Kelly said.
