This week’s water community activity highlights work to strengthen water security, expand recycled water use and support healthier catchments, alongside national recognition of utility performance.
The latest developments span Aboriginal water ownership, regional infrastructure upgrades, environmental planning and community projects that connect people with water and Country.
Unitywater named Utility of the Year
Unitywater has been named Utility of the Year at the inaugural Utility Awards in Melbourne, recognising achievements across innovation, sustainability, customer service, project delivery and collaboration.
The utility’s digital metering program has helped customers save more than $6.2 million through early leak detection, conserving more than one billion litres of water. Independent benchmarking also identified Unitywater as Australia’s best-performing major utility for water main breaks and sewer incidents.
Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our people and partners and recognition of the impact we are delivering for our customers, communities and region".
Unitywater grants support community and environmental projects
Unitywater has named SevGen Indigenous Corporation, Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association, Caboolture Stanley Fish Stocking Group and Barung Landcare as its 2027 Healthy and Thriving Community Grant recipients.
Projects will support a native food forest, protect vulnerable turtle nests, release 4,000 endangered Mary River Cod fingerlings and establish biodiverse native micro forests.
Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Joshua Zugajev said: “Through the Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program we’re investing in initiatives that deliver practical benefits today while helping create a more sustainable future for generations to come,”
Aboriginal Water Strategy marks first year of progress
Around 130 water licences, representing approximately 8,250 water shares, have been offered to about 35 Aboriginal organisations during the first year of the NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy.
The licences can support agricultural, commercial, cultural and environmental uses. A further 121 Aboriginal cultural water licences were issued during the year, bringing the statewide total to 127.
NSW Executive Director Water Policy & Regulatory Reform Madeleine Mispel said: “This is about returning water to Aboriginal communities so they can determine how it is used for cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.”
New planning tool makes environmental trade-offs clearer
University of Queensland researchers have launched an open-source tool to help governments and communities balance environmental protection with social and economic priorities.
The software considers multiple goals simultaneously across land, freshwater and ocean planning. An extension to the prioritizr planning software, it can help users explore competing needs such as biodiversity conservation, food production, housing and energy.
UQ School of the Environment PhD candidate Sandra Neubert said: “Instead of producing a single plan, the tool provides a range of options that show what could be gained or lost under different priorities, making trade-offs easier to see.”
Dewing Creek planting reaches major milestone
More than 86,000 plants are now in the ground at Dewing Creek, completing planting for Barwon Water’s first nature-based carbon sequestration project.
The initiative is transforming 150 hectares on Gulidjan Country into a foothill forest, with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation helping inform land management and species selection. The forest is expected to sequester around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 25 years, while supporting habitat and catchment health.
Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said: “We’re looking forward to this green wave taking root and forming a diverse natural habitat.”
Yirrkala water upgrades improve reliability and support local jobs
Power and Water has completed the $12 million first phase of the Gove Peninsula Water Supply Upgrade, replacing 5.6 kilometres of ageing pipeline and 197 service connections in Yirrkala.
Jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments, the works will reduce water loss and support future demand. Regional Aboriginal business Bukmak Constructions delivered the upgrades, supporting approximately six local jobs.
Power and Water Acting Executive General Manager Water Services Kylie Collins said: “It's a great example of how investment in essential infrastructure also creates employment and opportunities within the communities we serve.”
Moonee Ponds Creek restoration moves into detailed design
Melbourne Water is progressing detailed design for Stage 2 of the Reimagining Moonee Ponds Creek project in Strathmore and Pascoe Vale.
The project will naturalise another section of creek, improve native vegetation and wildlife habitat, and enhance public access. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, subject to planning and permits.
Melbourne Water Executive General Manager Service and Asset Lifecycle Paul Northey said: “By restoring more natural creek conditions and improving public access, we’re creating a waterway that is healthier, more resilient and better connected to the community for generations to come.”
Bellarine recycled water project completes construction
Construction of the Recycled Water on the Bellarine project is complete, providing capacity for up to 450 million litres of additional recycled water annually for local farmers and businesses.
The project will nearly double recycled water availability in the region, helping conserve drinking water and reduce seasonal supply uncertainty. Works upgraded the Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant with ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis infrastructure and an 11-kilometre pipeline connection.
Funding included $5.5 million from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, $2 million from the Victorian Government and $17.5 million from Barwon Water.
Mount Morgan pipeline delivers long-term water security
The $88.2 million Mount Morgan Water Supply Pipeline is operational, delivering treated water from Rockhampton and strengthening supply security for Mount Morgan and growth areas including Gracemere.
Jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council, the project includes a 28-kilometre pipeline, pump stations and reservoirs. It follows prolonged drought that forced emergency water carting to Mount Morgan.
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said: “For years, drought placed enormous pressure on the town's water supply, but this project provides a reliable source of safe drinking water while supporting future demand across Mount Morgan and the wider region,”
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