From national recognition of Australia’s top scientists to art that transforms urban infrastructure, this week showcases how innovation, collaboration and creativity are shaping the future of water across the country.
The 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlight how research excellence and Indigenous knowledge systems are driving progress towards a sustainable, equitable future, while CSIRO’s new Adult Future Shaper program invites community leaders to help nurture the next generation of STEM thinkers.
Across the states and territories, Power and Water’s achievements are being celebrated for their leadership in inclusion and innovation, Tasmanian artists are using colour and culture to connect communities with their waterways, and new irrigation investments are strengthening regional economies.
Internationally, severe drought is testing Tehran’s water security, and new research in the United States is revealing a hidden climate impact from old coal mines – the continuing release of carbon from long-abandoned sites.
Australia celebrates scientific excellence
Australia’s top scientists, innovators and educators have been recognised in the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, celebrating the nation’s brightest thinkers and, for the first time, honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.
The Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year was awarded to Professor Yao Zheng from the University of Adelaide, recognised for his pioneering work producing clean hydrogen directly from seawater – an innovation set to accelerate Australia’s green hydrogen transition.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Each year the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlight our country’s exceptional achievements. I extend that congratulations and thanks to all recipients.”
CSIRO invites Australians to become Adult Future Shapers
The CSIRO is inviting community members, educators and STEM professionals to apply to become Adult Future Shapers – a new initiative rewarding those who help young people explore science, technology, engineering and maths.
Successful applicants will receive a bespoke support package worth $3,000 to supercharge their STEM outreach, which could include professional development, resources or event support. The program is open to anyone who helps students in Years 5 to 10 engage with STEM, including educators, Elders, parents and extracurricular facilitators.
Art meets infrastructure on Hobart’s coastline
A once-unassuming pump station on Hobart’s Sandy Bay coastline has been transformed into a vibrant community landmark through the Blinking Billy Mural, part of TasWater’s Asset Art Program.
Led by muralist Bec Adamczewski (Becski) in collaboration with emerging artists Kate Deane and Shiloh Quilliam, the project celebrates Tasmania’s marine environment and the voices of its youth.
TasWater Head of Brand and Insights Jill Cummins said: “We’re thrilled to see the final brush strokes completed – Blinking Billy is such an iconic spot, and it’s an honour to help turn it into a canvas for youth-led storytelling.”
“This mural is about more than just colour, it’s about connection, climate, and the power of young voices to shape our future,” she said.
Muralist Becski said: “This artwork celebrates the rich biodiversity of timtumili minanya (The River Derwent) and nearby oceans, highlighting endemic, vulnerable, and endangered species alongside the impact of introduced life and human activity.”
Victoria passes historic treaty legislation
Victoria has become the first Australian state to enshrine a democratically elected Aboriginal peoples’ body in law, following the passage of the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 through Parliament late last week.
The legislation establishes Gellung Warl, a new representative body that will be formally consulted on laws and policies affecting Aboriginal communities. The Bill was passed amid applause and tears in the chamber, marking what many have described as a landmark step towards self-determination and recognition.
A public ceremony to mark the beginning of the treaty process will be held at Federation Square on 12 December 2025, symbolising a new chapter in Victoria’s reconciliation journey.
Power and Water recognised for leadership and inclusion
Power and Water Corporation continues to earn recognition for its commitment to innovation, inclusion and community outcomes across the Northern Territory.
The utility was named Best Ally Business of the Year at the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network Blak Business Awards 2025, acknowledging its long-standing support for Aboriginal businesses and partnerships.
Chief Executive Officer Djuna Pollard said the recognition reflects the strength and diversity of the team: “These awards highlight the passion and collaboration that drive our people every day."
“Congratulations to everyone involved for their achievements and contributions to water innovation and community outcomes across the Northern Territory. We will continue to deliver for Territorians,” she said.
Irrigation investment grows Tasmania’s economy
Investment in irrigation infrastructure is driving sustainable growth across Tasmania’s farming sector, according to Tasmanian Irrigation’s 2024–25 Annual Report.
Chair Kate Vinot said access to reliable water is key to climate resilience and economic opportunity: “With reliable access to water, irrigators diversify into higher value land uses, intensify their operations, increase yield and product quality, and have the confidence to enter into valuable supply contracts."
“Water means farmers can plan with confidence – not just what and when to plant, but what the future looks like for farming families,” she said.
Tehran faces critical water shortage
Iran’s capital Tehran is on the brink of running dry within two weeks, according to state media reports, as a historic drought pushes the city’s main dam to just 8% capacity.
The Amir Kabir Dam, one of five supplying the city of 10 million people, now holds only 14 million cubic metres of water.
Officials say the region is facing its worst drought in decades, with rainfall in Tehran province nearly without precedent for a century. The megacity now faces unprecedented water restrictions as authorities race to mitigate the shortfall.
Hidden climate impact of mine drainage revealed
New research from the United States has revealed that long-abandoned coal mines continue to emit significant levels of CO₂ through water drainage.
Dr Dorothy Vesper of West Virginia University said: “The water draining from just 140 of these mines in Pennsylvania adds as much CO₂ to the atmosphere each year as a small coal-fired power plant.”
Vesper’s findings underscore the enduring environmental legacy of coal mining. “A huge part of it is just not even knowing where the discharges are,” she said. “It’s all over the world, really, these mine waters.”
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