Week in water: updates from across the community

From career pathways and cultural water reform to nature-based innovation and record infrastructure milestones, water continues to shape communities across Australia. 

This week, utilities are investing in inclusive jobs, restoring waterways with shellfish reefs, and celebrating a decade of student creativity in the Territory. New South Wales advances its first Aboriginal Water Strategy, Tasmania achieves record investment, and international researchers unveil promising breakthroughs in groundwater purification. 

States and territories 

Shellfish reefs prove nature’s power to clean waterways 
A Unitywater trial in Queensland’s Pine River is proving how nature can restore water quality, with shellfish reefs removing significant nutrients from the environment. The first-of-its-kind project, delivered with UniSC, OzFish and Healthy Land and Water, recorded a reduction of 7.24 kilograms of nitrogen within six months.

“Their unique ability to filter water and store nutrients ensures they don’t re-enter the waterways,” said Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield. UniSC Associate Professor Ben Gilby said the results highlight the value of rebuilding lost ecosystems, with more than 95% of shellfish reefs gone from Australia’s coastline. 

Young Territorians share creative water solutions 
Students across the Northern Territory showcased bright ideas for protecting one of our most valuable resources at Power and Water Corporation’s That’s My Water! Expo. Celebrating its 10th year, the event saw more than 1,000 students present projects through art, storybooks, and engineering models, tackling challenges from leaks to dam design.

Manager Water Demand Joel Spry said, “This initiative is about more than education – it’s about helping young Territorians understand the importance of water in our unique environment and inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers.” 

Sydney Water breaks ground on major Western Sydney project
Sydney Water has begun the next stage of its $2 billion Upper South Creek Networks Program, a landmark project set to deliver more than 115 kilometres of wastewater pipelines, 11 pumping stations and critical infrastructure across eight precincts in Western Sydney.

By 2056, the program will service over 143,000 new homes and 466,000 jobs. Program Director Peter Matthews said, “This contract award demonstrates the value of Sydney Water’s delivery partner model, which enables us to plan and build major infrastructure efficiently and sustainably.” He added that the approach ensures wastewater services “keep pace with new housing and protect local waterways.”

Water Research Lab open day draws the crowds 
UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory in Manly Vale opened its doors last weekend, giving the public a rare glimpse into world-class coastal and hydraulic engineering research. Visitors toured large-scale labs and joined interactive sessions on rips, floods and dam design.

WRL Managing Director Associate Professor Kristen Splinter said the open day was a chance to “speak to expert researchers and the public as they enjoy a day of educational fun,” showcasing how science and community engagement can go hand in hand. 

Yarra Valley Water and OC Connections partner for purpose 
Yarra Valley Water has teamed up with Melbourne social enterprise OC Connections to deliver a waterless fleet-cleaning service that saves water and creates jobs for people with disability. Since early 2024, the initiative has used less than half a litre of water per vehicle while providing meaningful employment opportunities.

Managing Director Natalie Foeng said, “Using OC Connections’ waterless fleet cleaning services, we’re cutting water use while supporting local social enterprise. It’s a great example of how our Social Procurement Strategy helps us achieve positive environmental and social outcomes at the same time.” 

Students dive in to name desalination project hero 
Students from Belmont and Marks Point Public Schools have named Hunter Water’s tunnel boring machine “Rhiannan”, honouring local diving champion Rhiannan Iffland.

The machine will carve the seawater intake tunnel for the Belmont Desalination Plant, strengthening the Hunter region’s water security. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, “Naming the tunnel boring machine after Rhiannan Iffland is a beautiful tribute to a local champion who has made waves on the global stage.” 

NSW’s first Aboriginal Water Strategy released 
The NSW Government has released its first Aboriginal Water Strategy, co-designed with Aboriginal communities to deliver cultural, spiritual, social, environmental and economic benefits. The initiative includes a registration process to transfer government-held water access licences to Aboriginal entities.

“We acknowledge and recognise the invaluable insights, knowledge and perspectives shared by all our Aboriginal stakeholders that helped shape the strategy,” the department said, marking a milestone for equitable water ownership and the delivery of the state’s 2021 Water Strategy commitments. 

Reconnecting the Southern Basin to the North 
Fish passage between Lake Pamamaroo and Wetherell has been re-established in a collaborative trial led by NSW agencies, reconnecting the Southern and Northern Basins. Using temporary fish baffles and lake-level adjustments, more than 400 golden perch successfully migrated upstream.

“The results showed over 400 golden perch trapped in four sets – all in good condition and re-released upstream to continue their journey north,” the department said, underscoring how cooperation can restore vital aquatic ecosystems. 

Have your say on draft floodplain plans 
The draft Billabong Creek and NSW Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plans are now on public exhibition. The plans set out rules for flood work development in rural areas and seek feedback from landholders, Aboriginal communities and industry bodies.

“We will carefully consider all feedback on the proposed rules and maps as we develop the final plans,” the department said. Consultation closes Sunday 16 November 2025. 

TasWater invests record $371.7 million 
TasWater has invested a record $371.7 million into Tasmania’s water and sewerage assets during 2024–25 – the utility’s biggest commitment yet to securing the state’s water future. The investment, detailed in TasWater’s Annual Report, delivered accelerated infrastructure upgrades, improved customer outcomes and stronger environmental performance.

Chief Executive Officer George Theo said the results reflected a clear focus on long-term community value. “We’re investing where it counts – into the infrastructure, systems and services that support Tasmanians every day,” he said. “Our results continue to reflect our determination to invest wisely and deliver lasting value.”

International 

New filters promise cleaner groundwater in cold climates 
Researchers from Yukon University and Université de Moncton have discovered a new way to clean polluted groundwater in cold climates.

Their custom-built underground filters successfully removed contaminants such as nitrate, arsenic and uranium – even at 5°C – over a 36-week trial. “It’s so exciting,” said project lead Dr Morgane Desmau, who noted that the findings could help remote northern communities access safe drinking water for the first time. 

Europe urged to prioritise water resilience  
Water Europe has called for €300 billion in investment to make water a strategic focus in the EU’s 2028–2034 budget.

“To secure sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness, the EU must treat water as a strategic asset,” said Water Europe President Hans Goossens. He warned that climate extremes – from droughts to floods – “can undermine our societies just as severely” as other threats, urging leaders to defend a water-resilient Europe. 

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