At Ozwater'26, something different unfolded in Room P11, tucked away in one of the venue's more hidden corners. It proved that genuine interest travels far, with attendees making the journey with clear purpose.
Rather than a traditional presentation, the Asset Management Specialist Network and the Regional, Rural and Remote Specialist Network invited participants into a shared conversation, one that explored the realities of managing water assets beyond metropolitan boundaries.
The workshop, "Challenges and Opportunities of Asset Management in Rural and Remote Communities," created a space for practitioners to exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and learn from one another. It was clear from the outset that this was not just about identifying problems. It was about collectively shaping solutions.
The session opened with a panel of experienced industry leaders who grounded the discussion in practical, real-world experience.
Matt Jordan, Head of Infrastructure Investment Planning at TasWater, brought more than 20 years of experience across Australia and the UK. His contributions reflected a strong focus on strategic planning, data-led decision-making, and integrated infrastructure management, approaches that continue to drive measurable improvements in system performance and sustainability.
Reflecting on the discussion, Matt noted: "Asset management is about making informed decisions today that continue to deliver value for communities decades into the future. Achieving that requires a clear understanding of risks, asset performance, and long-term investment priorities."
Cameron Jessup, Technical Director – Water Services Advisory at BetterAIM, drew on his extensive experience supporting utilities across the country. He emphasised the importance of utilities having confidence in their asset data to inform front-end planning. He also noted the importance of a balanced approach to risk management to ensure infrastructure is not only cost-effective but fit for purpose, particularly in regional and remote communities.
Drawing attention to the fundamentals of effective asset management, Cameron observed: "Effective asset management is informed by good information and a willingness to use data to drive decision-making. While design guidelines and standards support decision-making, they are conservative in nature and don't always reflect organisational context. Where organisations have good data, they should use this to understand their risks and to guide decision-making to ensure that the services they provide are fit for purpose, fit for place and fit for people."
Sarah Lunau, Division Manager, Water and Wastewater at Eurobodalla Shire Council, shared insights shaped by nearly two decades in the water sector. With a strong foundation in risk-based water quality management, she highlighted that effective asset management is as much about culture, leadership, and behaviours as it is about systems and tools.
Reflecting on the unique challenges faced by regional communities, Sarah shared: "Effective asset management is ultimately about people, building capability, sharing knowledge and ensuring our decisions today support resilient and sustainable services for future generations."
Together, the panel set a compelling tone, one that resonated throughout the session and encouraged open discussion across the room.
As conversations moved to the tables, common themes quickly emerged.
A key challenge identified was access to skills and training. Many organisations in rural and remote areas face limitations in attracting, retaining and developing capability, which directly impacts asset management performance.
Participants also highlighted the lack of asset systems and reliable data. In many cases, asset information is incomplete or resides with individuals rather than in formal systems, limiting the ability to make informed, long-term decisions.
Another strong message was the imbalance between investment in new infrastructure versus maintenance and lifecycle planning. Funding models often prioritise capital delivery but do not adequately support ongoing operational needs—creating long-term sustainability risks.
These challenges are further intensified by geographic constraints, where distance, access and limited visibility of assets increase operational complexity and cost.
While the challenges were significant, the workshop demonstrated a shared appetite to find practical solutions.
One of the strongest insights was the need to get the fundamentals right, including process before technology. Systems are important, but they must be supported by clear processes, governance and training to deliver genuine value.
There was also strong agreement on the importance of collaboration and standardisation. Sharing knowledge, standardising assets and working across organisational boundaries can help reduce complexity and build resilience, particularly for smaller utilities.
Participants also identified the need for more flexible and realistic funding models, particularly for remote communities where ongoing operations, maintenance and community engagement are critical to long-term success.
Above all, the discussion reinforced that asset management is fundamentally about people, their skills, knowledge, and ability to work together effectively across the sector.
This workshop was made possible through the collaboration between the Asset Management Specialist Network and the Regional, Rural and Remote Specialist Network, bringing together a broad and diverse group of professionals committed to improving outcomes across the sector.
We extend our sincere thanks to our panel members – Matt Jordan, Cameron Jessup, and Sarah Lunau – for generously sharing their insights and experiences.
We also acknowledge the contributions of our facilitators and table facilitators:
Annalie Roux, Frederic Blin, Soner Bekir, Janath Chandrasekera, Damayanthi Chandrasekera, Peter Haylock, Bradley Elliott, Simon Rocco, Niyati Tandon, Farzad Moghaddam, Amie Aldred, Leigh Martin, Rhys Tyler, and Zena Smith-White.
For those who attended, the workshop offered valuable insights and new connections. For those who couldn’t be there, this is just the beginning.
The challenges facing rural and remote communities are complex, but so too is the collective expertise within our industry. By continuing to share knowledge, collaborate and innovate, we can build more sustainable and resilient asset management practices for all communities.
If this conversation resonates with you, we encourage you to get involved. Join the Asset Management Specialist Network and/or the Regional, Rural and Remote Specialist Network, and be part of shaping the future of asset management across Australia.