Ozwater’26 continues today with future-focused conversations on AI, climate finance, workforce resilience and sustainable growth. Day Two brings another packed program of panels, workshops and networking opportunities as delegates dive deeper into the big challenges and opportunities shaping the future of water.
This morning’s keynote from Tammy Falconer of KPMG will explore how AI and digital infrastructure are rapidly becoming essential tools for utilities navigating population growth, rising service expectations and increasing operational complexity. Drawing on real-world examples, Tammy will examine how organisations are embedding AI into core business functions to improve efficiency, resilience and scalability across the water cycle.
Following this, Paul Chatterton, Founder of the Landscape Finance Lab, will bring a global perspective to the future of investment in water. With expertise spanning climate finance, land use and sustainable investment, Paul will unpack emerging financial models and the economic drivers shaping resilience, restoration and long-term sustainability.
Here’s what to keep on your radar today.
Keep an eye out for these standout sessions and networking opportunities happening throughout the day.
Education Hub – From invisible to essential: Your voice is pivotal to making water a career of choice (1.40pm)
Hosted within the Education Hub, this interactive panel explores how the water sector can strengthen workforce attraction and retention in an increasingly competitive talent market.
Featuring live polling and perspectives from young professionals, regional utilities and skills leaders, the session will unpack barriers to entry, shifting workforce expectations and practical strategies to improve visibility and knowledge transfer across the sector.
Paving the Way – Skilled Migrants in the Water Sector Morning Tea (10.00am–10.45am, Exhibition Stage)
Hosted by the AWA Queensland Young Water Professionals, this morning tea and panel session is designed to support skilled migrants entering the Australian water industry at a critical time for workforce growth across the sector.
The panel will feature insights and practical advice from recruiters, hiring managers and migrants currently working in water, including Darcy Richardson (Urban Utilities), Purvi Midwinter (AWA QLD Branch Committee), James Foden (Telos Co) and Stephen Wagner (Isaac Regional Council). Discussions will cover visa pathways, job applications and navigating career transitions into Australia’s water workforce.
Artist in residence activation – Felicity Chapman (10am, AWA Stand)
If you missed out yesterday, you should visit the AWA Stand during morning tea to experience a unique artist in residence partnership between Regional Arts Australia and Arup. Featuring artist Felicity Chapman, the activation highlights the intersection of creative industries, Aboriginal science and water.
From water recycling and procurement innovation to reconciliation and net zero pathways, Day Two’s panel program tackles some of the sector’s most pressing operational and strategic challenges.
Here are a few sessions worth adding to your agenda:
Source control for purified recycled water
As interest in purified recycled water continues to grow, this panel explores the importance of understanding and managing water quality inputs into wastewater treatment systems.
The discussion will examine catchment management, trade waste monitoring, uncontrolled inputs and treatment approaches needed to ensure safe, reliable purified recycled water schemes while protecting public health and the environment.
Beyond the boundaries: Helping utilities drive innovation in procurement
This panel challenges traditional procurement models and explores how utilities can better integrate sourcing, engineering and operations to strengthen resilience and improve delivery outcomes.
Drawing on real-world examples, speakers will discuss supplier partnerships, transparency, risk management and the role procurement can play in driving innovation across complex utility supply chains.
Advancing reconciliation – from commitment to action
Bringing together utilities from across Australia, this session focuses on practical approaches to embedding Reconciliation Action Plans into everyday operations while strengthening cultural capability and partnerships with First Nations communities.
The panel will share real-world experiences, challenges and lessons learned, alongside insights into WSAA’s First Nations Water Program and the sector’s ongoing reconciliation journey.
Pathways to net zero: Innovations and insights from industry leaders
This session explores the water industry’s evolving journey toward net zero emissions, highlighting strategies in carbon accounting, reduction and energy generation.
Moderated by Lewis Barlow, ICE Trustee for Carbon & Climate and Head of Decarbonisation, Sustainability & Climate Change at WSP UK, the panel will also examine international applications of PAS 2080 and the implications of the upcoming PAS 3090 standard for infrastructure adaptation pathways.
Ready for floods? A game of community resilience
This interactive role-playing workshop places participants at the centre of a realistic flood scenario, challenging them to navigate competing priorities, allocate resources and build collaborative responses across sectors.
Bringing together perspectives from government, emergency response, business, community groups and private citizens, the session is designed to strengthen water literacy, climate adaptation thinking and cross-sector resilience planning through hands-on participation.
Australian Water Awards & Gala Dinner (6.30pm–11.00pm, Plaza Ballroom)
One of the biggest nights on the Ozwater calendar, the Australian Water Awards & Gala Dinner brings the sector together to celebrate innovation, leadership and outstanding achievements across the industry. Please be aware that tickets to the Gala Dinner are sold out.
To those attending, we look forward to seeing you tonight!
Want to make the most of your Ozwater’26 experience? Check out the dedicated Ozwater’26 platform to plan your day.