Skill Transformation for Operational Staff

in Modernised Delivery Systems

Geoffrey Enever Manager Customer Service

Goulburn-Murray Water

WHY?• G-MW irrigation system undergoing major

upgrade• 100 years of

– Passive assets– Manual operation– Paper based recording

• Replaced with Dynamic Flume Gate regulators and automated irrigation outlets

• System upgrade = Skill upgrade required

14,000 customers in six irrigation areas (channel network & pumped supply)

Approx 12,000 customers access water from

• bores (groundwater) • direct from rivers and streams

(diverters)

Other customers • MDBA • Other rural and urban

corporations• Hydro, leases, recreation,

houseboats, licences

Goulburn-Murray Waterand our customers

• Majority of 6,900km channel network is manually operated

• Channel automation improves control along the network

• Changed operation requirements = Changed skill

requirement for staff

Channel networkPerth

Sydney

Channel automation

Paper based records

Staff well trained and knowledgeable in their field

Manual operations = Large OHS risk to staff and G-MW

• $2.1 billion project to upgrade the gravity irrigation system

• Automated/dynamic assets• Electronic components require new skills• Much of the staff knowledge & equipment

now redundant

The Project is Here!

Dynamic operations

Electronic assets

Confusion

Training for staff

• Technical skills• Electronic

equipment

• 3 levels of training • Trained staff

become the trainers

• In house • On the job

Equipment change

• Major change is the move to “In Field Computing”

• Required an item suitable to conditions

• User friendly for staff of varying skill levels

• Large staff involvement in selection

Issues - staff concerns

• Ability to adapt to: – New technology– Larger geographical area of responsibility

• Reduced staff numbers! • Operating “Hybrid” system• Continuing to train staff in operating a

“Manual” system• Reduced contact with customers

Outcomes – staff

• New skills achieved • New career path• Rewarding work• Resignation of staff members!• Central System Operations

– 24 hour customer contact– 24 hour system monitoring– 24 hour support to field staff

So Look at G-MW Now• Central monitoring• Increased training

New SkillsNew KnowledgeNew EquipmentNew Career Confidence in future

From Manual to Automation

Summary

• How it Was • Here it Is

•Look at G-MW NowWIN for staff

WIN for customersWIN for G-MW

• Questions ?

Thank you for your time Contact details: geoffreye@g-water.com.au

Ph: 03 58 263 633