Across Australia, water policy milestones, major infrastructure upgrades and community-focused programs are shaping the momentum for the months ahead.
From renewed progress on environmental water in the Murray–Darling Basin to local initiatives improving resilience, supporting diverse communities and strengthening future workforce pathways, the sector is steadily advancing long-term sustainability goals.
Utilities are investing in critical upgrades, sharpening emergency preparedness and championing innovation at every scale. Internationally, new research is offering sharper insights into climate pressures and highlighting the increasing risks facing water systems around the world.
Basin Plan back on track, new WESA review finds
The independent Water for the Environment Special Account (WESA) review has confirmed that progress toward securing 450 GL of environmental water under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan has regained momentum, with current programs capable of achieving all or most of the target by 2027.
The Third Review assessed recovery progress, funding adequacy and the effectiveness of support for communities affected by water recovery. While noting that constraints relaxation remains challenging, the panel reported a clear turnaround since earlier reviews in 2020 and 2021, which concluded the target was unachievable under previous settings.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the findings reflect the impact of recent reforms: “The legislative and policy changes we have introduced since 2023 have given us the flexibility and tools to achieve real progress on the Basin Plan,” he said.
“Upcoming reviews of the Basin Plan and the Water Act next year will be important opportunities to take stock of what’s working, and the latest WESA report will feed into that process.”
Gippsland Water welcomes record number of women in STEM internships
Five local women have joined Gippsland Water’s summer internship program, marking a record intake for the utility.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the growth in women entering STEM roles is a promising shift: “It’s an encouraging step towards greater diversity in our industry,” she said.
“Having a diverse workforce helps us reflect the community we serve and provide more inclusive and innovative approaches.”
Yarra Valley Water urges fire-season readiness
With fire danger season now underway, Yarra Valley Water is calling on households and businesses in high-risk areas to update their fire plans and consider an independent water supply.
General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said that water supply cannot be guaranteed during a fire due to potential equipment damage, high demand and power outages.
“We urge everyone to include drinking water in their emergency kit. And if you intend to defend your property, you need an independent water supply because you won’t be able to rely on mains water during a fire,” she said.
Tasmanian Irrigation appoints director for major irrigation project
International infrastructure specialist Andrew Pattle has joined Tasmanian Irrigation as Project Director for the $301 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme, which will be the state’s largest irrigation project.
CEO Mike Sylvester said Pattle’s experience across hydropower, engineering and major project delivery will be critical: “We are delighted that we will have a Project Director of Andrew’s calibre to lead the team,” he said. “He has hit the ground running, engaging with landowners, adjusting the project scope and rebaselining the budget.”
NSW councils receive $2 million to boost water quality
An additional $2 million in NSW Government funding will support 18 regional councils to improve water treatment operations through the Advanced Operational Support initiative.
Grants of up to $150,000 will support upgrades such as new monitoring systems, filtration improvements, enhanced processes and automated technology. The program forms part of the $52.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program.
Flood resilience boost for Shepparton
Goulburn Valley Water has secured $2 million from the Commonwealth’s Disaster Ready Fund to construct a permanent flood barrier at the Shepparton Water Treatment Plant. Combined with GVW’s own contribution, the $4.08 million project aims to strengthen protection for essential infrastructure.
Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the 2022 floods exposed the vulnerability of key assets: “This new permanent barrier will help us maintain safe and reliable water services for the Greater Shepparton community, even during significant flood events,” he said.
South East Water backs initiative supporting Afghan Hazara women
A South East Water Community Grant is helping launch a culinary skills program supporting Afghan Hazara women in Melbourne’s south-east, delivered by the Australian Afghanistan Initiative.
The project aims to build confidence, cultural connection and pathways into employment. General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Karen Lau said the program reflects the utility’s support for community-led solutions: “This project empowers women, strengthens community ties, and celebrates cultural connections in our region,” she said.
Community sessions to discuss future of pumped districts
Goulburn-Murray Water is hosting two community sessions to explore the future of the Nyah, Tresco and Woorinen pumped irrigation districts. The strategy will consider likely service needs over the next 5–30 years, responding to changing water use and ageing infrastructure.
General Manager Strategy and Services Planning Steven Abbott said interest has been strong: “One of the key messages we heard is that community members want to explore the future of the districts in more detail,” he said.
Blue carbon work expands from Australia to Fiji
UNSW’s Professor Will Glamore is leading a major coastal restoration project in Fiji, applying environmental engineering approaches that have helped rehabilitate Australian wetlands. His work on ‘floating mangroves’ and nature-based restoration contributes to national blue carbon methodologies and global emissions reduction efforts.
“Every project starts off as a degraded landscape but, in the end, it is a beautiful mosaic of the tide, mangroves and nature,” he said.
Water literacy boost for Bendigo’s Karen community
Coliban Water and Bendigo Community Health Services have partnered to deliver water literacy education to Bendigo’s growing Karen community, now the city’s most widely spoken language group after English.
The program builds understanding of safe drinking water and sewer services among residents with lived experience of water insecurity. Executive Manager Customer and Stakeholder Experience Lauren McLean said the collaboration is about trust: “This includes building their confidence in services that most customers take for granted".
Global violence over water reaches record levels
Violent incidents involving water resources rose nearly 20% in 2024, according to new data from the Pacific Institute’s Water Conflict Chronology. More than 420 events were recorded, continuing a steep upward trend driven by attacks on infrastructure, disputes over access and the use of water as a weapon.
“The growing number of violent incidents involving freshwater resources underscores the urgent need for international attention,” said Dr Peter Gleick, Senior Fellow and co-founder of the Pacific Institute.
Mountain regions facing accelerated climate impacts
A major global review has found that mountains around the world are experiencing climate change more intensely than lowland areas, with rapid shifts in temperature, rainfall and snow patterns.
Published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the study highlights the potential consequences for billions of people who rely on mountain water systems.
Lead author Dr Nick Pepin said high-altitude areas share many characteristics with the Arctic:
“As you go higher into the mountains, the rate of climate change can become even more intense".
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