Our Melbourne office was a hub of innovative discussions and strategic partnerships, with the board of the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC) meeting in March.
Over three days WSAA and Water Research Australia (WaterRA) hosted a series of meetings showcasing Australia’s work on the Circular Economy and WSAA's commitment to connection and leading the water sector to enable thriving communities.
Honouring Tradition and Culture
In a powerful opening, Wurundjeri Man Thane Garvey led a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, grounding the meeting in the land's deep cultural heritage. This profound start signified WSAA's respect for Indigenous traditions and underscored the importance of integrating First Nations' perspectives in water management strategies.
WSAA Overview
WSAA took attendees through the new WSAA purpose statement and Strategic Priorities which aim to navigate the complex challenges of climate change, population growth, and technological advancements to secure a thriving water future.
WSAA and its members showcased their dynamic role across the sector with engaging snapshots of:
- Building trust with customers: Reinforcing the community's trust through competence and character metrics.
- Advancing Engagement on Purified Recycled Water (PRW): Highlighting initiatives on PRW to meet growing demands and promote water security.
- Closing the Water Gap with First Nations: working in partnership with First Nations peoples on the challenges to ensure equitable water access and management.
- Embracing Blue x Green = Thriving: SA Water's recreational reservoir access case study, how integrating blue and green infrastructure leads to community benefits.
- Fostering growth via the RD&I Ecosystem: Encouraging a robust ecosystem for research, development, and innovation to spearhead sector advancements.
WaterRA and Circular Economy Workshop
WaterRA took attendees through its research portfolio, followed by a Circular Economy workshop at RMIT University exploring the principles of reduction and recycling — essential tenets for sustainable water management.
Highlights included the Pau Biofactory in France through SUEZ, the detailed research being undertaken by STOWA (The Netherlands) on reducing nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment, UKWIR stepping through the expansive research portfolio in many aspects of the circular economy.
Healesville Sanctuary
A segment of the meeting at Healesville Sanctuary provided a serene backdrop for learning about collaborative efforts like by Melbourne Water and South East Water aimed at Saving the Platypus with Smart Water Storage. This effort, detailed further on the University of Melbourne's Pursuit platform, highlighted innovative methods to preserve one of Australia's most iconic species through intelligent water stewardship. Yarra Valley Water presented leading work on biodiversity and unpacking details of Scope 3 emissions.
Over the three days of the GWRC meeting it was evident that the Board have a shared commitment to a future where water is not just a resource but a valued essence of community, culture, and sustainability.
8 Apr 2024
