Meet IWN Champion Rachel Meinig

As an environmental engineer, our new City West Water Champion Rachel Meinig brings valuable experience to IWN. Here’s a quick Q&A to get to know her.

LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I live in North Melbourne with my partner and our two cats. I love to bake and cook as well as watch films and read. I’m also a keen weightlifter, which I’ve been very excited to get back into after lockdown!

WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I’m the Senior Renewable Futures Engineer at City West Water – I’ve been in the role for about 18 months. I’m responsible for ensuring we have adequate planning in the energy and emissions space. Our Emissions Reduction Pledge is currently our key driver in this space and I’m responsible for ensuring we’ve got sufficient initiatives and projects in place to reach our target.

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

I’m an environmental engineer and have worked in the water industry throughout my career. I started at a small consultancy and then spent a few years at Central Highlands Water in planning and asset management. I moved to City West Water about three years ago, initially in water and sewer main renewal project delivery. I’ve done a bit of everything!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO YOUR GRANDMA)?

I investigate opportunities for City West Water to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions while maintaining value for money for customers. I do this by sitting at my computer staring at spreadsheets and Word documents, and chatting to people on Teams. 😊

WHAT IWN PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU THE MOST AND WHY?

All of them! I’m interested in the Energy and Carbon program because that’s what I do day-to-day, but I’ve also got experience in asset management and network assets so hopefully I can bring some value to other programs too. I’m also keen to find out more about the programs I don’t have much background in.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN IWN CHAMPION?

I think IWN’s collaboration across water corporations is quite unique and I’m excited by the opportunity to be involved. I’m looking forward to learning about new topics and challenges, and meeting people I would not otherwise get the chance to. I think there are some great opportunities for City West Water to provide value to IWN and vice versa.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE AS A CHAMPION?

I’d like to build on the great work of our previous Champion, Adrian, by facilitating City West Water’s involvement in IWN trials and other opportunities. I also hope I can promote IWN’s visibility in City West Water, and get more of our people engaged and involved in IWN.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

Coffee!