Water security, cultural water rights and digital innovation are driving momentum across the sector this week, with major funding commitments, infrastructure upgrades and international research highlighting both local progress and global challenges.
National investment in First Nations water planning, regional recycled water expansion and new digital metering programs are being rolled out alongside collaborative research and community-led water management initiatives.
At the same time, global findings on water access and ecosystem carbon storage are reinforcing the critical role of water in public health and climate resilience.
Funding supports more than 50 First Nations water projects
The Federal Government has announced more than $20 million in funding for over 50 First Nations-led projects across the Murray–Darling Basin, supporting the development of Cultural flows plans and water-dependent business opportunities.
The Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies program aims to strengthen governance, planning and long-term access to water for cultural, environmental, social and economic purposes.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “Through this program, we’re able to support First Nations communities with the right support to access, own and manage water entitlements that will have Cultural, environmental, social, spiritual, and economic benefits”.
“We’re also continuing to deliver a record amount of funding to secure water entitlements for Murray−Darling Basin First Nations communities through the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program, with more than $60 million in water entitlements secured to date.
“I thank all applicants for putting their hands up to get involved in this program, as well of the ongoing guidance of our First Nations communities as we work to secure their rightful place at the table of all water management conversations.”
South East Water hosts international fellows to share solutions
South East Water has welcomed 17 international fellows from Bangladesh to Aquarevo House in Melbourne, showcasing water-saving technologies and collaborative approaches to sustainable urban water management.
The Aquarevo development demonstrates integrated rainwater harvesting and recycled water systems across nearly 500 homes, achieving an average 40% reduction in drinking water use, with some households reaching up to 80%.
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair said: “No single organisation has all the answers to the complex water challenges we face.
“By opening our doors to international peers and sharing practical examples like Aquarevo, we can learn from one another and accelerate solutions that benefit communities everywhere.”
Coliban Water backs regional push for respect and equality
Coliban Water has joined Women’s Health Loddon Mallee Region’s collective action to promote respect and gender equality across the region.
The initiative brings together organisations committed to preventing gender-based violence and fostering inclusive, respectful workplaces and communities. By signing on, Coliban Water is aligning its policies and culture with a broader regional movement focused on long-term social change.
Managing Director Damian Wells said the partnership reflects the organisation’s responsibility to contribute beyond core water services.
“Respect and equality are fundamental to healthy communities. As a regional water authority, we recognise the role we can play in supporting initiatives that create safer and more inclusive environments for everyone,” he said.
Major upgrade to Bendigo recycled water factory to boost resilience
Coliban Water has awarded a major contract to upgrade the Bendigo Recycled Water Factory, significantly increasing production of Class A recycled water to support the region’s growing demand.
The upgrade will expand production from three megalitres per day to 10 megalitres per day, supporting irrigation across public spaces, sporting facilities and community assets while reducing reliance on drinking water supplies.
Coliban Water Executive Manager Major Projects Ross Campbell said:“As our climate becomes hotter and drier, recycled water is more important than ever”.
“Every drop of recycled water we use on our parks and sports grounds is a drop of drinking water saved. This upgrade will help Bendigo stay green while reducing demand on our drinking water supplies.”
Hornsby Shire Council advances river management planning
Hornsby Shire Council has endorsed the draft Hawkesbury–Nepean River System Coastal Management Program for public exhibition, marking a key step in long-term planning for one of New South Wales’ most significant river systems.
Developed in collaboration with multiple councils and informed by extensive community engagement, the program outlines a 10-year framework to improve waterway health, manage environmental risks and protect cultural and social values.
Mayor Warren Waddell said: “The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System is central to the identity, wellbeing and environmental health of our region. This draft program reflects years of detailed analysis, collaboration and community input, ensuring we have a strong, evidence-based plan for its future”.
Restoring wetlands through science and Traditional Knowledge
A major restoration project at Gayini in south-west New South Wales is bringing together Traditional Owners, scientists and conservation groups to rehabilitate 80,000 hectares of culturally significant wetlands.
Led by the Nari Nari Tribal Council in partnership with research institutions and government organisations, the project is exploring how restoring natural flooding regimes and land management practices can reverse ecological decline.
UNSW Professor Richard Kingsford said: “By restoring natural flooding regimes and managing livestock grazing, our collaboration with the Nari Nari Tribal Council is a study of how Country responds when it's given a new lease on life.”
Unitywater expands digital meter rollout
Unitywater is expanding its digital water meter program across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, focusing on areas with higher risk of leaks.
The technology will provide daily water usage data, enabling faster leak detection, improved billing accuracy and better network insights.
CEO Anna Jackson said: “Digital metering represents a major step forward in our ongoing investment to modernise services and improve the customer experience.
“It means we can help detect leaks earlier, reduce water loss and help customers avoid unexpected high bills. It’s a simple change that delivers real benefits.”
Melbourne students showcase water-wise garden design
Emerging landscape designers will present a water-efficient display garden at the 2026 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, highlighting practical approaches to climate-resilient gardening.
Developed in partnership with Yarra Valley Water, the installations demonstrate techniques such as drought-tolerant planting, soil moisture retention and efficient irrigation design, offering practical solutions for households adapting to drier conditions.
Water access crisis linked to maternal deaths
New research from WaterAid has revealed that inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities is contributing to maternal sepsis in one in nine births across Africa.
The findings estimate around 13,000 women die each year from maternal sepsis, with women in Sub-Saharan Africa significantly more at risk compared to those in developed regions.
WaterAid Australia Chief Executive Tom Muller said: “No woman should fear losing her life in childbirth because clean water is missing. No midwife should watch a joyful moment become a tragedy caused by an infection that clean hands could have prevented.
“Every two seconds, a woman gives birth in a healthcare facility without clean water, safe toilets, or adequate hygiene. That absence puts both her life and her baby’s life at risk.
“This new research makes one thing unmistakably clear: the solution is simple, affordable, and long overdue. Clean water saves lives.”
New research highlights carbon storage in Brazilian wetlands
New research has identified significant carbon storage potential in Brazil’s Cerrado wetlands, an often-overlooked ecosystem compared to the Amazon rainforest.
The study found that groundwater-fed wetlands in the region store around 1,200 metric tonnes of carbon per hectare, highlighting their importance in global climate regulation and the need for stronger protection of these landscapes.
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