As another year draws to a close, it presents an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and what lays ahead in 2024.
Water is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in the media, with frequent reports on drought, El Nino, bushfires, water restrictions along the east Coast and the reset of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. In Canberra our dam storage levels are high, however the question of when we will face our next drought is often front of mind. While climate change brings inherent uncertainty, what I am certain of is that our water industry is capable and well equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
Our Young Water Professional’s (YWPs) recently hosted a ‘Water Consequences of Net Zero Policies’ Hack Event, which brought together professionals from across the industry to challenge themselves to find innovative solutions to a key emerging issue. Thanks to GHD for hosting the event.
We also welcomed the opening of the NSW/ACT Mentoring program. Mentees have now been paired with their mentors – it presents a fantastic opportunity for YWPs to gain insights and knowledge from their mentors (and vice-versa of course) and strike up a relationship that may last a lifetime. Thanks go to the YWP mentoring program co-ordinating committee!
One of our key strategic goals for our committee is to better connect with our regional partners. In late October the ACT Committee and YWPs convened some industry ‘sundowners’ with regional colleagues from the Central NSW Joint Organisation, Organa and Southern NSW Councils. While our geographical and operating environments vary, the challenges we face are often similar and the event provided an opportunity to discuss enhanced collaboration and to build connections.
Finally, don’t forget about the upcoming ACT Water Leaders Dinner event, a great opportunity to celebrate our achievements – the last dinner sold out so be sure to get in early this time!
by Nic Morgan
