Riverina Water wins the Sam Samra Award
Feb 21, 2022
Locals already knew it, but now it’s official – Riverina Water is the best in the state.
Riverina Water has been honoured with the prestigious Sam Samra Award, which recognises the most improved local government water or sewerage provider from across NSW.
There is no nomination process, with the judges instead assessing all councils before selecting the finalists and winner.
The judges applauded Riverina Water for the development of its Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy – a significant 30-year plan that sets out how the region’s drinking water needs will be managed until 2050.
Additionally, the judges highlighted Riverina Water’s:
- Planned $22M solar generation project
- Upgrading its telemetry system to a digital radio network
- Implementing its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strategic plan
- Implementing a new customer-centric enterprise software platform to meet customer expectations and improve integration with asset management and financial systems
The award was presented at the recent Local Government NSW water conference in Narrabri. Riverina Water’s Chair Cr Tim Koschel, CEO Andrew Crakanthorp and Manager Operations Jason Ip were on hand to accept the honour.
“Being named as the Sam Samra Award winner for 2021-22 was a welcome surprise,” Cr Koschel said. “It is a testament to the professionalism and passion all staff bring to their roles from across the organisation.
“This is one of the most significant awards a council can receive. Our community should be proud to know their drinking water is being supplied to the highest standard at an affordable rate - now and into the future.”
The Sam Samra Award was established in 2017 as a memorial and acknowledgement of the late Mr Samra’s long-term contribution, passion and dedication to the water industry. It is co-sponsored by the NSW Water Directorate, Local Government NSW and the Department of Industry – Water.
“Riverina Water has built a strong foundation as one of the best local water utilities in NSW, with a commitment to providing safe and reliable drinking water to our growing region,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“To be recognised in this way is the highest honour and highlights the important steps we have taken in recent years to achieve our goals, backed by the development and implementation of strategy and long-term planning.”
Read more about the Sam Samra Award’s history and Riverina Water’s achievement at the NSW Water Directorate website.