Water policy reform, infrastructure investment and workforce development are shaping the conversation across the water sector this week, with developments spanning national policy, regional water security and new research.
The Federal Government has released its latest report on First Peoples engagement across the Murray–Darling Basin and appointed an independent reviewer to lead the upcoming Water Act review, while utilities across the country are progressing infrastructure upgrades, workforce initiatives and community engagement programs.
At the same time, regional storage pressures in parts of Victoria are highlighting ongoing climate challenges, and new international research is exploring breakthrough methods that could reshape heavy water production.
New report details First Peoples progress across the Murray−Darling Basin
The Federal Government has tabled the annual Murray–Darling Basin First Nations water report for 2024–25, outlining progress to strengthen First Peoples' leadership, knowledge and self-determination in water management across the Basin.
The report highlights stronger partnerships, improved participation in decision making and growing recognition of Aboriginal leadership in water governance. It also notes progress under the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “We know water runs to the core of First Nations Peoples’ history and traditions, and provides a link between their ancestors, Culture, and identity. This unique connection must be respected through equitable representation.”
Independent reviewer appointed to lead Water Act Review
Anthea Harris has been appointed as Independent Reviewer to lead the upcoming review of the Water Act 2007, with the review’s terms of reference also released.
The Water Act provides the legislative framework for managing the Murray–Darling Basin and requires a review before the end of 2027 to assess whether the legislation remains fit for purpose in addressing challenges such as climate change.
Minister for Water Murray Watt said: “Alongside the review currently underway on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the Water Act Review will examine opportunities to improve how we safeguard our water resources while supporting communities, driving agricultural and industrial growth, and protecting the environment.”
The review will include engagement with stakeholders across agriculture, industry, local government, community and environmental groups, and First Nations peoples, with a final report due by 28 February 2027.
Schneider Electric reports sustainability progress
Schneider Electric has released its 2025 extra-financial results, marking the conclusion of its Schneider Sustainability Impact 2021–2025 program. By the end of 2025, Schneider Electric’s solutions had helped customers save or avoid 862 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, surpassing its original target of 800 million tonnes.
Schneider Electric CEO Olivier Blum said the program delivered measurable results across the company and its value chain. “For more than 20 years, sustainability has been rooted in our identity and driven our journey forward.
“By combining innovation, partnerships, and accountability, we have delivered progress against key sustainability metrics across our operations and our ecosystem.”
Arup appoints Asia Pacific resources leader
Arup has appointed Paul Williams as its new Asia Pacific Resources and Critical Materials Leader. Williams brings more than 25 years of experience across mining, energy and infrastructure, and will lead Arup’s resources team across the region, supporting the mining, waste and industrial sectors to strengthen water and energy resilience, and reduce environmental impacts.
Arup Energy, Water and Resources Leader in Asia Pacific Tan Yoong Heng said: “Paul’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the resources sector. His experience in mining and energy, along with his ability to drive innovation and deliver complex programs, will enhance the support we provide to clients as they pursue decarbonisation, resilience, and responsible resource stewardship".
Unitywater launches gender equity program
Unitywater has launched its 2026 BOOST gender equity and inclusion program ahead of International Women’s Day. The initiative will bring together 20 women from across the organisation to develop leadership skills through workshops, coaching and networking over a four month period.
Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson said: “I’m delighted to see our 2026 BOOST program get underway, to support women with their career development and progression, and embed systemic change within our organisation".
Unitywater welcomes engineering graduates
Five engineering graduates have joined Unitywater’s Graduate Development Program, beginning their careers in the water sector through a 24 month program involving rotations across the organisation.
The graduates, from civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering backgrounds, will gain experience across operations, major projects, environment and innovation.
Unitywater Executive Manager People Culture and Safety Kenan Hibberd said: “We’re excited to welcome another group of graduates to help contribute to Unitywater’s service delivery as we support our customers across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa."
Melburnians encouraged to adopt smarter gardening habits
Yarra Valley Water is encouraging Melbourne households to adopt more water efficient gardening practices as dry conditions continue into early autumn. Around 15% of the average household’s water use occurs outdoors, and recent heat and low rainfall have placed additional pressure on gardens.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Strategy and Community Tiffany White said: “Hot weather doesn’t stop in late summer, and neither does the pressure on gardens”.
“Autumn is the ideal time to rebuild soil health, choose the right plants and fine-tune watering habits so gardens can recover well and stay resilient through the months ahead,” she said.
Hunter Water completes reservoir and pipeline upgrades
Hunter Water has completed upgrades to the Harpers Hill Reservoir and its connecting pipeline, strengthening water supply for communities including Lochinvar, Greta, Branxton and North Rothbury.
The original 0.9 megalitre steel reservoir built in the 1950s has been replaced with a new seven megalitre concrete reservoir, alongside construction of a 2.5 kilometre pipeline from the Lochinvar pump station.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Infrastructure Delivery Justin Watts said: “This new, larger reservoir gives our community greater confidence that water will be there when they need it most".
Storages remain low despite recent rainfall
Recent rainfall across central Victoria has done little to lift water storage levels, according to Coliban Water. Managing Director Damian Wells said dry catchments meant much of the rain soaked into the ground rather than flowing into reservoirs.
“While good news for farmers, parks, gardens, and fire-affected areas, our combined storages remain at 57% capacity today, while Coliban Water’s share of Lake Eppalock sits at 29% capacity,” Wells said.
The utility said it is preparing communities for possible water restrictions if storage levels do not improve through winter and spring.
South East Water recognised as a top workplace for women
South East Water has been named one of WORK180’s Top 101 Workplaces for Women in 2026 for the fourth year running and was also a finalist in the Equitable Workplace Awards for Flexible Working.
Acting General Manager People, Safety and Governance Lara Salembier said the recognition reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusion and equality.
“We prioritise inclusion and equality, fair recognition and reward, and strong representation of women in senior roles,” Salembier said.
Quantum breakthrough could improve heavy water production
Scientists at Hunan University have developed a new hydrogen isotope separation method that could improve heavy water production.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses proton quantum tunnelling to separate hydrogen isotopes, achieving a record separation factor of 276 at room temperature.
Researchers say the approach could enable more efficient production of heavy water, a material used in nuclear energy and other advanced technologies.
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