meet the TRC TEAM
MArk Swadling
from water operations
How long have you been working with Council
and why did you choose to work with us?
I have been working at Toowoomba Regional Council
for 17 years. I commenced in 2001 as a trainee in
Water Maintenance and completed my Certificate II in
Civil Construction and Maintenance within six months.
Afterwards, I gained a position as a Labourer within Water
Maintenance. As I had a young family I wanted a stable job
that I enjoyed. I later applied for a Water Operator’s position
and was successful. I have been here ever since.
Why did you choose Water Operations?
I was introduced to Water Operations when the plumber I
was labouring for had a minor job at the Water Treatment
Plant at Mount Kynoch. After speaking to staff for a few
minutes about the water treatment process, I realised this
was a field that I would like to explore and I have never
looked back.
What does a Water Supply Systems Controller
do on a day to day basis?
My role varies each day with daily duties such as calculating
Toowoomba’s water usage, interpreting the weather forecast
for future flows, identifying asset malfunctions, assisting with
asset maintenance, maintaining 19 reservoir levels for the city
water supply, optimising 21 basalt bores for water production,
dealing with customer water enquiries and operating the
SCADA computer program. That's a typical day for me!
What do you love most about your job?
I love the challenge of supplying a constant water supply to
bold l
www.tr.qld.gov.au/bold
over 100,000 people. Every day has a different obstacle to
overcome with learning experiences around every corner. I
am also provided with opportunities to attend water industry
conferences and speak with like-minded people about our
trade and its future.
What is the future of Water Operations?
I see Water Operations moving to more advanced treatment
in the future such as reverse osmosis, micro filtration,
advanced oxidation and even using algae to remove
phosphorus for wastewater processes.
Electricity has become very expensive for consumers and
even more so for water utility consumers like Toowoomba
Regional Council’s water treatment plants. Water Operations
are continually striving to find more cost effective ways of
running pumps. We continue to modify our processes so we
are able treat our water as economically as possible for our
rate payers while maintaining a safe drinking water supply.
What do you love most about the region?
I love that Toowoomba is growing into a city with everything
on offer. You don’t have to travel to larger cities to
experience night life, restaurants, markets, shops and so
much more. It’s all here! This region is starting to show
growth with the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and
the Inland Rail Link, which will bring more industry. The city
is evolving!
Photo: Mark Swadling, Water Supply Systems Controller,
Water and Wastewater Operation.
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