QLD Certification Update #1 | January 2025

Date: 06-Jan-2025

Welcome to the first of what aims to be regular updates for those who hold Certifications with Irrigation Australia. Please reach out to ashleigh.lang@irrigation.org.au or naomi.carragher@irrigation.org.au with any comments, questions, or suggestions for other news.

In this update

Certification Board/ Committee

Staffing changes at Irrigation Australia

Changes to and future plans for existing certification programs

Fee and CPD restructuring

Other news 

Certification Board/ Committee

Your Certification Board has been renamed to “Committee” to ensure consistency with the Association’s Constitution. Its charter will also be reviewed when time permits – the essential functions of the group do not change but we are keen to see diversity in the membership with suitable representation from across all Certification programs.

If you are interested in participating, we are keen to hear from you, but particularly from CMI’s working in Qld and NSW.

This group is responsible for overseeing the Certification Code of Conduct including disciplinary processes, Continuing Professional Development, peer reviews and audits, along with continuous improvement of content and responses to regulatory matters.

Your current Certification Committee members include:

• John Harvie, Chair
• Clive Croxford, Deputy Chair
• Leon Bideri
• Peter Smith
• Matt Binder (board representative)
• Stephen McNally (observer)

Supported by Irrigation Australia staff Ashleigh Lang, Sam O’Brien and Dave Cameron

This update includes a summary of the Committee’s current and planned activities.

Staffing changes at Irrigation Australia

Ash Lang remains our primary contact for all Certification matters but from Jan 2025 we are allocating more resources towards improving available CPD options, communications and marketing the benefits to stakeholders of using certified professionals.

While we’ve not been able to make the pre-Christmas deadline, one of the major enhancements you’ll see early in the new year is our completely rebuilt Irrigation Australia web site including a map-based directory.

We have made many attempts to contact all certified professionals to make sure that those wishing to appear in the directory have updated their details and provided permission to share them – please take the time to check what is recorded for you when the new site is released, and reach out to ashleigh.lang@irrigation.org.au if you identify any issues. If you have not yet provided permission to appear on the directory, please complete the following form.

Changes to and future plans for existing certification programs

As many would be aware, we’ve seen significant churn in our staff and contractors over the last 12 months with the result being that we have not been able to maintain all previous training to support new entrants to a number of certification programs. The good news is that we’ve spent a lot of time on renewal including quality of training content.

This is where each program currently sits:

Certified Irrigation Designer

• Our commitment to this program remains a key priority. Unfortunately, it has been challenging to engage with the US Irrigation Association to finalise necessary modernisations to the program, but the future pathway is at least now more clear.
• We have commenced a review of all of the CID content and started to develop new exams and processes that Irrigation Australia will manage directly. The new processes are likely to commence from July 2025, with metricized materials available, and exams likely to be built into our new Learner Management System. While they are still likely to be supervised, there will be more flexibility around where that can happen.
• Our committee is also very keen to provide more mentoring/ coaching/ support for those wanting to complete the exams, so we would expect tutorials etc. to be available.

 Certified Meter Installer

• We continue to work with each state regulator to ensure that content and CPD materials are as relevant as possible.
• We have reached out to all regulators and manufacturers to seek updated information for the new web site, and are negotiating with manufacturers to access more videos and other materials to support CPD.
• A “recertification exam” worth 2 CPD points was initially developed almost 12 months ago and has recently been loaded to our new Learner Management System for final testing. We expect it to be available in January and in time it might become a compulsory CPD item - if we can get state-specific regulatory content/ changes incorporated each year.
• For those interested in training, the enrolments for the current year have been slow to date and we continue to work with regulators on the introduction of new reporting systems as well as to try to target perceived shortages. Note that there are flexible delivery options now available including virtual/ online followed up by a day-long practical session – we are hoping that this approach, which is being considered for more of our courses, will provide an attractive option for those students struggling to get time away from work to attend.

Certified Irrigation Installer

• This recognised skill set has received rave reviews from both students and trainers – 6 units which focus on practical skills for installation and ultimately contribute towards the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology, and which can be delivered in a week.
• We see the course as an important step in career pathways for those new to the industry - it will be offered in all states during 2025, and we are particularly keen to talk to any employers interested in setting up private courses for multiple staff.
• Our priority has been to engage with state training authorities and others to seek government investment to support the training – as many would be aware most existing subsidies only apply to the Certificate III/ Certificate IV qualifications – and are not available in every region.

Certified Irrigation Systems Auditor

• This extensive audit course has been delivered twice in the last 12 months and all content refined. Being a specialised area focused on higher level units, it’s challenging to get a group of students together – we are keen to hear from any region with interest.
• There would appear to be a growing desire in the market for a modified version of this qualification to focus on open space systems including sports fields. Watch this space for a customised course later in 2025.

Certified Electrofusion Welder and Butt Welder

• We are currently reaching out to current holders of these certifications to check before tidying up delivery and re-certification processes. For now, the required units continue to be delivered as part of block 4 of the Certificate III, with sessions typically open to other students who are interested in the welding units alone.
• Our preferred solution going forward will be that CPD and fee arrangements change to be in line with other certifications (see topic 4 below) but we are also looking into offering a one-day short course for re-certification from mid-2025, in lieu of CPD and certification – for those who need to be able to demonstrate currency for their jobs.

Certified Irrigation Contractor, Agronomist

• These higher-level skill sets are designed for those managing installation works, as well as provide advice to customers on system types, purchase and use.
• The course materials are top of the priority list for revision with delivery expected to be available later in 2025.

 All other Certifications are on hold for new delivery now as there has not been strong market interest. In time we may look at rationalising these programs, while ensuring that no existing certification holders are disadvantaged.

Again, keep an eye out for the new web site and directory – please take the time to check what is recorded for you when the new site is released, and reach out to ashleigh.lang@irrigation.org.au if you identify any issues.

Fee and CPD restructuring

We have received a significant amount of feedback to suggest that our pricing structures are too complicated, and we have recently completed a review of all processes with the first round of changes commencing in 2025. Bear with us – the intention is that there is no impact on anyone until renewals are due but, in some instances, there may be earlier modifications depending on system testing.

In general, our aims with the fee changes are to:

• Rationalise the number of different certification programs to better respond to our market;
• Reduce the CPD and renewal period to annual where possible (5 points per year rather than 10 points per 2 years);
• At the direction of our board, create a clear incentive (in terms of Certification discounts) to be an Irrigation Australia individual member, or staff of a member company.

To do this, from January 2025 we will start to implement:

• Annual renewals at $165 including GST across all Certifications, in lieu of 2 year renewals. Overall, this represents the same fee for most and a small adjustment for some.
• For new trainees, the course fees will include only 1 year’s certification instead of two to enable the annual renewal cycle, so no impact for existing certified people.
• Potential winding up/ merging of some certification disciplines.
• Changes to CID to be determined – but not until July 2025 (see above).

Note that for all existing certification holders there will be options which present no financial disadvantage. Current non-members will be able to take up an Irrigation Australia membership and access the discounted certification fees immediately, once the new processes are in place.

Other news

NSW - WaterNSW DQP Concierge Program

The DQP Concierge Program is here to assist duly qualified persons (DQPs) by providing personalised support and step-by-step guidance through the process of site commissioning and validation.

The DQP Concierge Program will monitor the progress of DQPs by tracking the number of forms submitted and processing times. This means that if there are any delays or issues, they can be identified early.

To assist you in using the DQP Portal, understanding the processes or if you have any questions regarding the non-urban metering regulation, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with the WaterNSW team.

While the DQP Concierge Program aims to provide extensive support, there are certain areas it does not cover including: 

• Technical instruction on meters or communication equipment (unless otherwise explicitly stated). DQPs are advised to contact manufacturers or vendors for such queries.
• 24/7 support or on-site visits for troubleshooting or assistance. Instead, we encourage DQPs to schedule a meeting with the dedicated team within business hours.

Qld - Changes to water meter certification requirements in Queensland

The Water Regulation was amended on 22 July 2024. Changes to water meter certification requirements were delayed until 2 December to coincide with release of the WaterIQ portal. 

These changes include:

• Release of Queensland non-urban water measurement standards to replace the interim standard
• Simpler water meter inspection form to replace Module A – water meter validation form
• Water users are now required to notify the department of works they are using, rather than including this on the water meter inspection form.

WaterIQ makes it easy for duly qualified persons (DQPs) operating in Queensland to register and submit water meter inspection forms and certifications online. 

Use WaterIQ to: 

• View and manage your water meter inspection forms for multiple customers
• Save water meter inspection form progress as you go
• Review your in-progress and completed inspections and certificates at any time
• Download to your device each water meter certification when complete.

Supporting information on the water meter certification requirements and WaterIQ registration process can be found here.

To log into WaterIQ to register, you will need your:

• myID (formerly myGovID). Don’t have a myID? Get one here.
• CMI number 
• Email address (the one registered with Irrigation Australia)
• Mobile number.

For help using WaterIQ, contact wateriq.support@rdmw.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3330 4361. One of the department’s water officers may contact you to help you register. 

Have your say! Share your thoughts on recent and proposed changes to our certification programs by completing our quick feedback form.