Workshops and Panels

The session aims to provide clear, practical, high-level direction for industry, regulators, and researchers by converting lessons from PFAS into principles that guide future emerging contaminant (EC) decisions across Australian water utilities.

Facilitator:
Matthew Askeland, ADE Consulting

Speakers:
Dr Karl Bowles, Jacobs
Kelly Hopewell, Seqwater
Nigel Holmes, Qld Dept of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Prof Frederic Leusch, Griffith University

For regional water utilities, providing valued services in regional, rural and/or remote areas through prudent and efficient asset management practices can be challenging, however it also presents opportunities to do things differently to their metro counterparts. This workshop proposes to tease out common difficulties as well as existing and/or potential future solutions through facilitated discussions, and the sharing of knowledge and lessons learnt. The notes from the workshop would form the basis of a paper to be subsequently published in Source.

The workshop is a collaboration between AWA’s Regional, Rural & Remote communities and Asset Management Specialist Networks.

Facilitator:
Annalie Roux, RP Infrastructure
Soner Bekir, Algaesys

Speakers:
Sarah Lunau, Eurobodalla Shire Council
Frederic Blin, Aecom
Cameron Jessup, Betteraim
Matt Jordan, TasWater

Healthy catchments underpin resilient water supplies, biodiversity, and community wellbeing. Yet assessing “catchment health” in a way that is consistent, meaningful, and outcome-focused has long been a challenge.

Water Research Australia, working with water utilities across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, partnered with Alluvium Consulting to co-develop a flexible framework for developing catchment health metrics. Drawing on extensive engagement with utilities and a review of national and international approaches, the framework brings together remote sensing, land use data, water quality monitoring and catchment morphometrics into a practical toolkit for assessing and evaluating catchment condition with respect to hydrology and water quality. It enables benchmarking, monitoring, and transparent communication of the effectiveness of management interventions relative to the objectives that underpin most catchment management projects.

The framework has already been applied to diverse case study catchments across Australia - reflecting diverse management context, priorities and pressures such as changes in rainfall, bushfires, unsealed roads, mining, agriculture, and urban development. The framework demonstrates how complex pressures can be translated into metrics that inform enhanced management decisions and a way to track outcomes.

This interactive workshop, led by Water Research Australia and Alluvium Consulting with participating water utilities, will:
• Introduce the framework, its technical foundations, and associated collaterals (reference manual and toolbox).
• Showcase case studies from utilities on applying the framework, lessons learned, and practical benefits.
• Facilitate a panel discussion on advancing cross-jurisdictional efforts in catchment health assessment.

Speakers:
Dr Zach Powell, Water Research Australia
Dr Quinn Ollivier, WaterNSW
Owen Hoar, Water Corporation
Lauren Randall, Hunter Water
Dr Daniel Livingston, Hunter Water
Dr Petter Nyman, Alluvium

A road engineer, an energy magnate, and a hospital executive meet in a bar. The bartender, who is a futurist, leans over and says... “How do you solve (insert framing scenario)? Do you have an example you can share?” We have a number of scenarios we can suggest, to keep the discussion lively.

The session will comprise an interactive panel session (30 minutes) followed by an activity (60 minutes):

1. Leading industry experts will be invited to exchange views on effective approaches to key challenges common across sectors, such as deferred investment, shifting regulatory requirements, community sentiment and economic buoyancy (or its opposite).

2. Participants would collaborate at their tables to consider the application of the shared learnings to a shared problem, such as the development of various Brisbane Olympic venue sites, focusing on the water servicing aspects. Each table would be guided to develop a ‘pitch’ to present back to the room, and a panel of judges, on their development concepts and approaches.

The activity would be structured using the ‘Loveable’ Framework, which supports outcomes for lasting community benefit with a measurable social outcome.

Facilitator:
James Skene, GHD

Speakers:
 Elaine Pang, GHD
Jackson Hills, National Shelter
Jamie Alonso, EPEC Group
Rachael Cochrane, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Tracy Mackey, Infrastructure Association of Queensland 

Our Water, Our Tomorrow is an interactive workshop - hosted by the Water Quality Specialist Network - exploring how climate change is reshaping water quality risks and how the sector can respond. The session brings together technical expertise, storytelling, and Indigenous science perspectives to reflect on how Traditional Knowledge has safeguarded water quality and how these systems are changing under climate pressure. Through real-world case studies, interactive discussion, and live tools such as polls and word clouds, participants will examine lessons from past events and explore how emerging technologies (including AI/ML, IoT, and Earth Observation) and trust and transparency in communicating, can support future water quality management. Delegates will leave with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable ideas to safeguard water quality in an uncertain future. 

Speakers:
Dr Abel Vieira, Seqwater
Dr Emily Quek, Trility
Renee Henry, Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
Andrew Watkinson, Arup
Dr Purvi Midwinter, Adasa Sistemas

This workshop - hosted by the  Water Resilient and Liveable Communities in Regional and Remote Australia Network-
will seek to connect regional and remote water stakeholders, rightsholders and service providers in the co-development of a national program for regional and remote water capability building.

It builds on an ongoing series of national engagement and consolidation initiatives led by a network of regional and remote water service providers, stakeholders and research partners, including the Federal Government’s National Environmental Science Program for Water Sensitive and Liveable Communities in Regional and Remote Australia, Desert Knowledge Australia, The Goyder Institute for Water Research, Ekistica and the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT), and the Water Services Association of Australia.

The aim of this network is to support a coordinated national agenda, aimed at establishing the partnerships, knowledge and evidence, enabling and authorising conditions necessary to support critical systems change and systems strengthening outcomes for the enhancement of water servicing capability in regional and remote communities. In particular, this includes the conditions and processes for the enhancement and implementation of place-based, Country-centred and appropriate technologies, tools, training and institutional design suitable for regional and remote water contexts.

This workshop will seek to engage Ozwater'26 delegates in the ongoing scoping of this initiative, supporting their direct input into its direction, and opportunities for continued engagement in the development of this timely program.

Facilitator:
Dr Paul Satur, The Water Resilient and Liveable Communities in Regional and Remote Australia Network

Speakers:
Evie Rose, Central Land Council
Dr Alec Rolston, Goyder Institute for Water Research
Catherine Vero, The Remote Water Futures Consortium

As Australia faces a housing crisis, water authorities/corporations must meet the challenge of delivering unprecedented levels of infrastructure. However, ith population density increases, tighter controls are necessary to limit the impact on the environment and on sensitive receivers. Planning and environmental laws differ in each state and territory. This workshop is an opportunity to explore what is working well in each jurisdiction and to explore opportunities for closer alignment of the relevant planning and environmental laws when balancing growth with environmental sustainability. Proposed Activity: a few case studies to work on.

Speakers:
Kylie Gomez Gane, Unitywater
Jayne Steele, Unitywater
Aaron Blades, Unitywater
Dr Georgina Davis, Qldwater
Dr Elvira Lanham, Environment Assessments NSW and ACT Branch, DCCEEW
Brad McDonald, Aurecon
Julieane Materu, Norton Rose Fulbright

The Brisbane Olympics 2032 provides a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive catalytic investments in the region. Previous Olympic Games have harnessed this opportunity to drive water outcomes, such as Sydney 2000 regenerated a massive natural wetland area and delivered new benchmarks for water efficiency and alternative supplies, London 2012 regenerated the River Lea and delivered the UKs first recycled scheme, Rio 2016 sought to deliver integrated water quality improvements and sustainability standards, Tokyo 2020 utilised recycled water in the canoe slalom and used water to combat urban heat, and Paris 2024 made the River Seine swimmable.

This workshop will explore the opportunities for Brisbane 2032. We will ask the question 'What is our water legacy?'. Sharing updates from progress on the Olympics plans and views from key water stakeholders, we will explore what is already being influenced and what big picture outcomes we can drive through the water sector community. We will bring together multi-disciplinary experts who have been involved in past Olympics and are able to provide insights on how we can leverage to drive tangible water investments.

Speakers: 
Neha Shetty, Arup
Celeste Morgan, Arup

This panel - hosted by the Australia New Zealand Biosolids Partnership -
will explore the diverse and evolving needs of key end user groups and stakeholders, including farmers, regulators, biosolids producers and innovators leveraging biosolids in value-added products. The session will also consider how utilities make long-term technology decisions in an environment of regulatory and technological change while trying to maximize across the full biosolids value chain. By bringing the voices of end users to the centre of the discussion, the panel aims to inform research priorities, policy development, treatment plant investment pathways and industry partnerships that can unlock the value of biosolids in Australia’s future water and resource systems.

Facilitators:
Hilary Hall, RMCG
Beatrice Yong, Water Corporation

Speakers:
Dr Glenn Dale, Verterra Ecological Engineering
Darren Schick, D & V Schick
Dr Louise Reeve, Queensland Water Directorate
Jackie McKeay, Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Kalpit Shah, The Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland
Sonja Toft, Urban Utilities

In a time when climate crisis impacts us al and water is our most precious yet undervalued resource, what kind of leadership will carry us into a resilient tomorrow? This workshop draws on the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust’s unique brand of leadership — anchored by five core principles: Speak truth to power;  Use knowledge wisely; Be led by Country; Lead together; Forge new paths.

In “Fostering Courageous Leadership for Our Water. Our Tomorrow.,” we will gather water sector leaders, First Nations knowledge holders, community advocates, scientists, policy-makers and managers in an interactive space designed to move beyond fear and apathy toward hope and shared agency. Through short provocations, case studies, and small group exercises, participants will explore how to apply these principles to real challenges: balancing urgent climate risks, navigating unequal power, integrating Indigenous knowledges, facing failure and uncertainty.

By experimenting with leadership tools and hearing stories of courage and innovation, participants will leave with practical frameworks and renewed confidence to act — even when the path ahead is messy.

Speakers:
Rosie Wheen, The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust
Prof Annalisa Contos, Atom Consulting
Benny Callaghan, Systems Collaboration Partners
Matthew Fullerton, Peter Cullen Trust

This highly interactive workshop will give participants the opportunity to explore what it means for organisations to develop Cultural Capabilities that enable them to effectively partner with First Peoples organisations. Using real-world vignettes, and a workshop process designed to provoke high level reflection on Cultural Capability status and development, along with a playful reporting and judging process, participants will reflect on how well their water sector organisations are engaging with First Peoples — in partnerships, through creating employment pathways, recognizing Cultural values and empowering First Peoples decision making in water planning and management.

Facilitator:
Declan Hearne, Seqwater

Speakers:
Brian McIntosh, International WaterCentre
Kerryn Devenny, Griffith University
Sarah Cochrane, Seqwater
Prof Phil Duncan, BecaHunter H2O

In October 2025 the Reece Foundation will be implementing a clean water and sanitation project in the First Nations communities of Mudnunn and Lullumb on the Dampier Peninsula.

Despite the Bardi-Jawi Peoples long ancestral connection to Water and Country through songs and stories, they currently had no access to clean, safe water on their traditional lands.

The solution has been co-designed with the community to ensure it is appropriate and will be sustainable. The implementation will be supported by ten incredible trade volunteers.

Facilitator:
Nick Gricks, Reece Group

Speakers:
Ipsita Wright, Reece Foundation
Nathan Brodie, East Plumbing Co
Bolo Angus, Bardi-Jawi Traditional Owner
Michael Watts, Reece Civil and Viadux

Beyond Zero, AWA’s Specialist Network dedicated to water sector decarbonisation. Titled ’Carbon credits or carbon cuts? Charting a practical path beyond zero in the water sector’, the session brings together senior voices from the Clean Energy Regulator, Climate Change Authority, Melbourne Water, and the University of Queensland Business School to explore how Australia’s water sector can move beyond ambition to action on net zero. The regulatory and carbon market landscape, what progress has been made, where the gaps remain, and what policy levers are still needed. The session will explore four key themes:

1. The regulatory and carbon market landscape, what progress has been made, where the gaps remain, and what policy levers are still needed

2. Measurement and the science of abatement, tackling biogenic methane and nitrous oxide in a sector where no two facilities are alike

3. From ambition to operational reality translating net zero commitments into real economic decisions, procurement and practice

4. The water sector as a partner - biogas, energy generation, blue and teal carbon, and the productive use of utility land and water assets

Facilitators:
Keith Dimech, Beyond Zero Specialist Network
Sam Skinner, Aurecon

Speakers:
David Parker, Clean Energy Regulator
Nerina De Lorenzo, Melbourne Water
Belinda Wade, University of Quuensland Business School
Matt Kean, Climate Change Authority (TBC)

Water efficiency is often the cheapest option for utilities to provide water services to their region and harness benefits of reduced operating costs, peak demand reduction, deferred infrastructure and broader economic, social and environmental benefits. It can provide similar benefits to customers in the form of reduced water bills and often reduced energy and operating bills thus providing a win-win for both utilities and their customers. However, due to the non-residential sector being so diverse water usage remains unclear and opportunities to improve efficiency largely untapped.

With the development of the WSAA national non-residential water efficiency benchmarking (NR WEB) tool and emergence of smart, and other forms of data, a new frontier in non-residential water efficiency is on the horizon. This workshop draws from the WSAA NR WEB project which provides benchmarks for 14 non-residential sectors and sub-sectors. It also draws on experts in non-residential water efficiency and auditing and those involved in emergent smart data and data analysis. The workshop will present contemporary insights on water efficiency in the -non-residential sector. Through an engaging workshop it will also enable discussion on barriers, opportunities and a way forward to maximise water efficiency in this elusive sector from a multi sector perspective (utility, government, customer, consultant and research), especially now as we navigate the new digital, data and privacy era.

Speakers:
Chris Philpot, The Water Conservancy
Adam Jones, BHP
Steve Askew, Hunter Water
Assoc. Prof. Regina Souter, Griffith University
Simon Fane, ISF
Prof Cara Beal, Griffith Institute for Human and Environmental Resilience, Griffith University
Duncan Elletson, Urban Utilities

As discussed at successive Ozwater events, the urban water sector has been facing escalating infrastructure expenditure challenges for several years. More recently, the pressures of urban growth, aging water infrastructure, and climate change have been compounded by construction market constraints, financing costs, and an increasing focus on water bill affordability. Recent price determinations across Australia have also placed a spotlight on the challenge of investing in water security and growth, whilst meeting and balancing multiple short-term and long-term objectives. 
 
With our sector experiencing such a significant transition, what changes might be required to our economic regulatory frameworks to enable investment in resilience, sustainability, and affordability as portfolio outcomes, reducing uncertainty for long term investment, and enabling smarter, more coordinated responses to climate and demand pressures?
 
Our panel of experts will share their thoughts on the sector in transition and the key changes they think are necessary to enable the above. 

Speakers:
Sally Armstrong, TasWater
Joanne Chong, Productivity Commission
Hayden Moore, TasWater

Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognised as critical to building climate resilience while supporting sustainable water reuse outcomes.
This session, led by the International Water Association Australia in collaboration with academic, industry and international partners, explores how hybrid nature-based approaches can address water quality and security challenges, reduce energy use and strengthen climate resilience in rural and peri-urban contexts.
Through international case studies, including projects in the United Kingdom and Timor-Leste, speakers will examine practical applications of innovative treatment systems, climate-adaptive design and community-focused implementation. The session will highlight how nature-based solutions can deliver both environmental and operational benefits, while supporting equitable access to water services.

Facilitators:
Anne Roiko, Griffith University
Tony Wong, Monash University

Speakers:
Soner Bejir, Algaesys Australia
Tom Muller, WaterAid Australia

Building climate resilience requires more than infrastructure. It requires people, skills and leadership.

This highly interactive workshop invites Ozwater delegates to collaborate with international partners to co-design practical pathways for developing the next generation of water leaders across the Asia-Pacific. With a focus on youth, women and diverse participation, the session will explore critical capability gaps, barriers to leadership pathways and scalable solutions.

Led by the Australian Water Association in collaboration with AWP, CAPRED, the ADB and Australian and regional partners, the session combines short provocations, a case study spotlight and facilitated table discussions.

Participants will contribute directly to identifying priority actions for governments and donors, commitments from utilities, and partnership mechanisms to accelerate inclusive leadership development. Outcomes will feed into the international Joint Statement on climate resilience (see morning International Session) 

Join our workshop on the Gunimaa and Gali Waratah Tool—an evolution of Beca’s Circular Design Framework that reframes the circular economy through an Indigenous Australian lens. Centred on custodianship, relationships, and place, it prompts teams to ask different questions and uncover practical pathways across planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Weaving western and cultural science, the tool guides holistic choices that honour Country, strengthen Community, and uphold Culture—while advancing climate adaptation and resilience in the water sector: healthier catchments, resilient infrastructure, and nature based solutions for floods, droughts, and changing flows.

Facilitators:
Lesliey Golds, BecaHunter H2O
Phil Duncan, BecaHunter H2O
Bill Moulden, BecaHunter H2O

This session explores how we position water as a career of choice in an increasingly competitive talent market. Through live polling and a facilitated panel discussion, participants will unpack barriers to entry, workforce retention challenges and shifting generational expectations. Together, we will examine where to invest to lift visibility, address critical skills gaps and compete with higher-profile sectors and major projects. Featuring voices from young professionals, regional utilities, student engagement champions, and skills councils, the session will discuss practical, industry-led actions to strengthen attraction, retention and knowledge transfer across Australia’s water workforce
 
This session is brought to you by the Founding Partners of the Careers in Water Program: Australian Water Association, Aqua Analytics, Cairns Regional Council, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, Goldenfields Water, Greater Western Water, Gympie Regional Council, KBR, Melbourne Water, Pensar, Stantec, Suez, Sydney Water, Unitywater, University of NSW, University of Sydney, Water Services Association of Australia.

Facilitator:
Sandra Hall, Water Stewardship Asia Pacific

Speakers:
Cassandra Mai, WSP
David Cameron, Buildskills Australia
Sharon James, Australian Water Association
Soyun Punyadasa, CMP Consulting Group
Toni Veronese, Cairns Regional Council

This session will present key findings from the Circular Water Taskforce’s Unlocking Circular Water Markets report, highlighting the policy, investment and partnership shifts needed to accelerate circular water use in Australia. It will explore practical pathways to unlock value across sectors and drive more sustainable, resilient water systems. Presented in partnership with AWA, Circular Australia, Arup and SUEZ.

Speakers:
Stephanie Clarke, SUEZ
Wayne Middleton, ARUP