Ozwater’26 brings the water sector together to shape a sustainable water future

As the Australian water community considers how to better serve communities in a constrained future, Ozwater’26 is bringing the sector together in Brisbane to explore the theme Our Water, Our Tomorrow, with a focus on stronger communities, smarter systems and the sustainable water future the sector can build together.

Held on the banks of the Brisbane River in Meanjin, Ozwater’26 arrives at a time when climate pressures, growth, affordability concerns and rapid technological change are converging. For Ozwater’26 Committee Chair and Seqwater CEO Emma Thomas, that mix of challenge and possibility is what the theme is designed to capture.

“The themes of the past two Ozwater conferences have each had forward-looking energy,” Thomas said. “And so does our theme this year. Our Water, Our Tomorrow reflects a moving momentum, but also deep responsibility”.

Joining the water sector just over a year ago, Thomas said her first Ozwater was a defining experience – not just because of the scale, but because of what the event represents for the water community.

“Last year was my first real experience of Ozwater. And it was a big bang experience,” she said. “It’s the place where everybody comes together and shares stories, challenges and opportunities, and the enthusiasm is unforgettable.”

While chairing the committee was initially a touch daunting as someone relatively new to the water community, Thomas said she embraced the role as an opportunity to help showcase the strength and ambition of Queensland’s water sector.

OUR TOMORROW

For Thomas, the theme reflects how quickly the water community is evolving and how important it is to shape that change intentionally.

“Our water is what we all rely on for life in so many forms. And our tomorrow is the future that we can create together,” Thomas said.

One of the parts of Ozwater’26 Thomas is most looking forward to is how the conference begins – with a strong connection to place.

“Starting with place matters, because it grounds our decisions in responsibility and our connection to our Traditional Owners and Country,” Thomas said.

Queensland’s diverse Traditional Owner groups and deep cultural knowledge around water make that perspective essential for the sector’s future stewardship and decision-making, Thomas said.

“We are on the banks of the river. This is the perfect place to reflect on the stewardship roles of Traditional Owners, particularly as they relate to water, and how we’re starting to translate a lot of learnings into our water practices from 60,000-plus years of culture.”

SMARTER SYSTEMS, BETTER OUTCOMES

Across the program, Thomas said the customer and community stream reflects one of the defining priorities for the sector – keeping customer and community outcomes at the centre, especially as affordability becomes a bigger public issue.

“I’m proud that we, as a sector, have a really strong connection to our customers. Customers and community needs are greater than ever,” she said.

With utilities managing complex networks and long-term infrastructure investment, Thomas said the challenge is delivering better performance while also improving efficiency, another stream within the Ozwater’26 program to look out for.

“In a heavy asset base that we manage across South East Queensland, we must optimise our existing assets before asking customers to fund new ones.”

Digital tools, including AI, are increasingly part of the solution – helping utilities make faster decisions and deliver more value through smarter operations.

“I think there are some great papers and presentations that are showing us the way, using AI and other digital tools to improve affordability and service for our customers,” Thomas said.

“The success of Ozwater’26 will be seen in real outcomes for our customers and our communities long after the conference concludes. Whether it’s a clearer sense of direction, the confidence to lead change, stronger collaborations, or solutions that make a meaningful difference, I’m excited to see how these decisions shape our future.”

A BRISBANE MOMENT

Thomas said she hopes delegates enjoy the hum of Brisbane and the river setting – even if they’re fitting it in between sessions.

“May is a beautiful time of the year to visit Brisbane, when it’s starting to get a bit colder and darker in our southern states and territories,” she said. “This year,

Brisbane will be the backdrop to important conversations with longterm outcomes for water.”

With the Brisbane River running beside the venue, it’s a fitting reminder of why the sector has gathered in the first place: water at the centre of community, environment and the future we shape together – in a city that’s hard not to enjoy while you’re doing it.

Welcome to Ozwater’26. Don’t forget to check out our online platform to help you make the most of your time with us.