Week in water: updates from across the community

This week’s water community activity focused on infrastructure investment, water security, community engagement, conservation and workforce development, with organisations preparing services and communities for future growth and climate pressures.

From major irrigation and wastewater upgrades to regional water advocacy, community planning and education initiatives, the latest developments highlight efforts to strengthen essential services, improve water efficiency and build capability across the sector.

STATE AND TERRITORY

David Ryan appointed Urban Utilities CEO
Urban Utilities has appointed current SA Water Chief Executive David Ryan as its next Chief Executive Officer following a national recruitment process.

Ryan will join the organisation on 12 January 2027, bringing more than two decades of water industry experience across utility operations, infrastructure planning and delivery, regulation, customer outcomes and government relations.

Urban Utilities Chair Paul Vincent said: “David brings a compelling combination of values-based leadership experience, strong strategic capability and industry expertise and a genuine passion for serving customers and communities.”

Community panel helps shape future water services
A 50-member community panel is helping South East Water develop its five-year plan for water, sewerage and recycled water services across Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula.

Across seven sessions between August and December, members will consider climate change, service reliability, value for money and future investment priorities.

South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Karen Lau said: “By bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives, the panel will help us better understand our customers' priorities as we balance reliability and investment to meet the needs of a growing region.”

Contract awarded for Western Sydney wastewater pipeline
Sydney Water has awarded Abergeldie a contract to deliver the Kemps Creek Gravity Carrier Extension North Pipeline in Western Sydney.

The project will support population and development growth across the Upper South Creek catchment, including the Western Sydney International Airport and surrounding suburbs. Works include the trenchless construction of about 2.9 kilometres of gravity carrier pipeline, along with maintenance holes, ventilation shafts and associated infrastructure.

Abergeldie CEO Mark Bruzzone said: “We’re pleased to be working with Sydney Water on this key infrastructure initiative to support long-term growth in Western Sydney.”

Action plan targets regional NSW water security
Local Government NSW and the NSW Water Directorate have launched a six-point Regional Water Action Plan to strengthen water security, renew ageing infrastructure and support local water utilities serving almost two million people.

The organisations said regional councils need long-term funding certainty to address ageing infrastructure, rising costs and future water and wastewater service risks.

Local Government NSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne said: “Councils in regional communities simply cannot do this alone and shouldn't be expected to.”

NSW Water Directorate Executive Officer Brendan Guiney said: “Addressing current risks, and planning for the future of our water supply and wastewater services is a shared responsibility with the State Government.”

Hunter households encouraged to save water
Hunter Water is encouraging households and businesses to adopt water-saving habits as warmer spring conditions increase demand across the Lower Hunter.

Although regional storages remain above 70%, Hunter Water said the rainfall-dependent system could fall from typical operating levels to empty within about three years during a severe drought.

Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement David Derkenne said: “Small actions taken by thousands of households and businesses across the region add up to significant savings. Fixing leaks, keeping showers short, waiting for full loads before using dishwashers and washing machines, and watering gardens wisely can all have a meaningful impact.”

Campaign highlights the value of irrigation
The NSW Irrigators’ Council has launched #IrrigationMatters, a statewide campaign promoting the role of irrigation in Australia’s food security, economy and regional communities.

The campaign comes as governments progress water policy reforms and irrigators manage regulatory change, rising production costs and uncertainty.

NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Dr Madeleine Hartley said: “The decisions governments make about water policy reform today will shape what Australia can grow tomorrow.”

Irrigated agriculture produces more than 90% of Australia’s nuts and grapes, more than 76% of its vegetables, all of its rice and more than half of its dairy and sugar.

Students turn creativity into water savings
Students from Bagdad Primary School and Lauderdale Primary School have won TasWater’s Jack’s 10 Litre Art Challenge by developing creative approaches to everyday water conservation.

Delivered with the Tasmania JackJumpers, the statewide challenge asked students to show how Tasmanians could save 10 litres of water each day.

TasWater Community Programs Manager Louis van Ek said: “Students from Bagdad and Lauderdale impressed us with their creativity and practical thinking. Their winning entries showed that even small actions can have a big impact when it comes to conserving water and protecting Tasmania’s environment.”

Perth dam inflows fall to decade low
Western Australians are being encouraged to conserve water after below-average winter rainfall delivered the lowest streamflow into southern dams in a decade.

Just over 12.5 billion litres have flowed into Perth’s scheme water dams this year, compared with an average of 75 billion litres over the past decade. Rainfall now provides about 15% of Perth’s drinking water.

Water Corporation Waterwise Programs Manager Damien Postma said: “With around one-third of household water use occurring in the garden, billions of litres could be conserved by keeping sprinklers switched off during September.”

Katherine students explore essential service careers
Around 40 Katherine students have taken part in a simulated emergency response through Power and Water’s That’s My Career! program.

Following its launch in Darwin, the Katherine visit marked the program’s first expansion into regional areas. Students explored career pathways supporting the Territory’s power, water and wastewater services.

Power and Water Early Careers Advisor Peter Morrison-Evans said: “That’s My Career! is about sparking that interest early and helping young Territorians understand the skills, qualifications and pathways that can turn that interest into a rewarding career. We want students across the Territory to see they can build a great career right here at home.”

Riverina project to recover water for environment
The Australian Government will invest $110 million in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Channel Lining and Piping Project to improve water efficiency and recover water for rivers, wetlands and floodplains.

The project will line ageing channels, replace some sections with enclosed pipes and improve water delivery and release points. Once completed, it is expected to save about five gigalitres of water, with 4.67 gigalitres returned to the environment.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “We will continue to work closely with all Basin states to maximise our irrigation networks, minimise water losses and put our river systems onto a more sustainable path.”

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