The Adaptive Planning and Integrated Water Management Network is the WSAA think tank which seeks to understand how water utilities plan for an increasingly complex and uncertain future, such as how to address water security planning and liveability in the face of climate change and growing cities, and the role that the private sector, innovative financing and decentralised servicing can play in delivering greater customer value.
Over the last four years, the Network has successfully broadened the horizons of the member utilities by challenging existing thinking and paradigms. By sharing best practice within the industry (such as Aquarevo and Fishermans Bend) as well as the challenges that utilities face, the Network is able to lift the bar across the industry. Having a safe space to share projects that didn't go to plan has been invaluable to utilities.
Recent topics of interest for the group include the role of paleoclimate records in modern water supply planning and building the business case for Integrated Water Management. The Network regularly receives talks from engaging keynote speakers such as Ian Harper, Rob Skinner and the Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre to seed innovative thinking.
The Network has also contributed to some significant pieces of WSAA work around liveability, including the soon to be launched ‘Next Gen Urban Water – The role of urban water in vibrant and prosperous communities’.
How to get involved
The Network will next meet in Brisbane on the 4th and 5th of May, with targeted presentations, workshops and field trips aimed to challenge the group but also to ground the members in practical issues of infrastructure investment. The network also uses the WSAA online community to discuss key issues, collaborate and share knowledge.
Interested in joining the Adaptive Planning and Integrated Water Management Network? It’s easy to join via the member community site, simply click on 'request to join' on the network page.
2 May 2017
