Recognising the West's high achievers in WA Water Awards

The Australian Water Association's Western Australian (WA) Water Awards winners have been announced at the Water Awards Dinner on 29 October at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth.   

 The WA Water Awards recognise the contribution of the Association's members for their inspiring leadership and innovative research, programs and infrastructure projects.   

 AWA CEO Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, noting their outstanding achievements and significant contribution.   

 "AWA's Water Awards recognise the important and ground-breaking work our members do for the water sector and for their communities," Cheeseman said.    

 "The WA Water Award finalists and winners showcase the range of work being done collaboratively across the sector, with winners from utilities, universities and the public sector - a reflection of our members' collective contribution towards our sustainable water future.    

"From providing sustainable solutions to flooding and wetland management to improving water quality and water taste - the people and projects we are celebrating demonstrate the astonishing work being done across Western Australia."   

This year's WA Water Award winners will represent the state in the national Australian Water Awards, presented at the Association's annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater'22, in Brisbane.    

Winners:    

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL):    

Water Corporation - Vasse Diversion Drain Upgrade Project    

The Vasse Diversion Drain Upgrade project demonstrates excellence in engineering and planning to provide a sustainable solution to flooding in the Busselton region. It simultaneously offers innovative solutions in environmental management to help protect one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.     

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO):    

Urbaqua, Water Corporation, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation - Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park Project    

The Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park demonstrates the success of effective leadership and a strong collaborative partnership approach to deliver drainage revitalisation. It has created a healthy, urban wetland ecosystem in a multi-functional community space that provides community connection, recreation and learning whilst fulfilling its drainage function.   

R&D Excellence Award (sponsored by Water Research Australia):    

uPtake - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development  

Other supporting organisations: CSBP (Chemical Suppliers Australia)   

uPtake is a partnership project between government, industry, universities, farmers, and catchment groups. Undertaking robust and innovative science to improve water quality in southwest WA waterways and estuaries by reducing phosphorus loss of grazing properties by improving confidence in the science supporting fertiliser recommendations.   

Student Water Prize (Sponsored by GHD):    

Elkia Szczecinski, Curtin University – Formation and Detection of Bromophenols and their Contribution to Plastic Taste in Drinking Water  

Elkia's research focuses on the management of drinking water production and delivers an innovative, extremely sensitive method for analysis of bromophenols, compounds that are known to cause aesthetically-displeasing 'plastic tastes' in some drinking waters. The aim is to improve the efficiency and cost of desalinated water production, resulting in long-term sustainability benefits.   

Highly Commended    

Ramon Skane, Murdoch University - Modelling & Simulation of Pressure Reducing Valves in Water Networks and their Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem):    

Chenoa Lange, Technical Advisor – Wastewater Processes, Water Corporation    

Having had a range of experience throughout the water and wastewater industry in her career, Chenoa consistently displays a passion for her work, environment, safety, and for the people she works and interacts with. She's always willing to take on a challenge and strives to ensure an optimal outcome in all her tasks.   

Water Professional of the Year:    

Dr Fabiana Tessele, Director - Tessele Consultants    

Dr Tessele can find value in everything. She has developed a rich global career in water and resource recovery. She bases her water consultancy on circular economy principles. A visionary, she believes that we can make the world a better place to live and have fun by working in collaboration.   

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners. Thanks to our program partners, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Water Corporation, Sacyr Water Australia, Eurofins ARL, Steel Mains, Water Research Australia, Xylem and GHD, for their support of these important industry awards.