Building Workforce Capability: Developing a Risk Based Competency Framework
| Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM |
| McBerns Papers Room - Newcastle Racecourse |
Overview
Mid-Western Regional Council - Robert Newham, Water Quality Officer
Details
Mid-Western Regional Council is developing a risk-based competency framework to address workforce challenges facing Local Water Utilities, including ageing staff, knowledge loss, evolving regulations and inconsistent competency assurance. Aligned with the NSW Water Industry Competency Framework, it converts training requirements into demonstrated operational capability. The approach identifies tasks, assesses risk, defines competency standards and assessment methods, and supports ongoing capability maintenance. It distinguishes training completion from workplace competence, requiring employees to safely and consistently apply their knowledge and skills. Practical assessments, supervision, assessor requirements, refresher programs and progression pathways strengthen knowledge transfer, workforce development, operational consistency, regulatory compliance and organisational resilience across utility operations.
Speaker
Robert Newham
Water Quality Officer
Midwestern Regional Council
Building Workforce Capability: Developing a Risk Based Competency Framework
11:50 AM - 12:10 PMBiography
Born in Penrith, Rob is a husband to Michelle and father to two boys, Jude and Theo, who ensure he is never in danger of oversleeping. Rob holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and spent nearly a decade in Tasmania’s salmon industry as a Team Leader across Marine and Freshwater operations. Working in a fully recirculated hatchery gave him experience in water treatment, while a Graduate Certificate in Data Science developed his passion for data analytics. Now approaching three years with MWRC, Rob works in Water Quality and has developed the competency framework being showcased at the event.
