This week’s water sector activity focused on infrastructure resilience, regional collaboration and sustainable resource recovery, with utilities and governments progressing major partnerships, long-term planning initiatives and innovative approaches to water and wastewater management across the country.
From integrated infrastructure delivery programs and biosolids recovery projects to drought response measures and regional water collaboration, the latest developments reflect the sector’s continued focus on future-ready services, climate resilience and supporting growing communities.
Ozwater’26 highlights leadership and collaboration during National Reconciliation Week
Last week, Ozwater’26 was held during National Reconciliation Week, providing an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the leadership, knowledge and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the water sector.
The event featured conversations, initiatives and perspectives focused on collaboration, inclusion and shared pathways toward a sustainable water future.
Take a look at everything that happened at Ozwater’26 for National Reconciliation Week here.
Australian Water Awards winners revealed at Ozwater’26 Gala Dinner
The winners of the Australian Water Awards were announced at the Ozwater’26 Gala Dinner last week, recognising outstanding achievements and leadership from across the water sector.
Finalists and winners were acknowledged for their contributions to innovation, sustainability and industry advancement. Congratulations to all finalists and winners. Your hard work and leadership are paving the way towards our sustainable water future.
Take a look at all the winners here.
Jacobs and Stantec appointed to Greater Western Water infrastructure program
Jacobs, in joint venture with Stantec, has been appointed as engineering services partner for Greater Western Water’s five-year Infrastructure Planning and Delivery Program across Melbourne’s rapidly growing western region.
The partnership will support planning, design and delivery of water infrastructure through a new integrated project delivery model aimed at improving collaboration, efficiency and long-term outcomes for customers and communities.
Jacobs Executive Vice President Sinead Giblin said: “Rapid population growth across Melbourne’s western region requires water infrastructure that can scale efficiently and reliably. By working closely with Greater Western Water and the program teams, we’re bringing together integrated planning, technical expertise and innovation to support sustainable, resilient water networks and treatment systems that serve communities now and into the future.”
Greater Western Water General Manager Asset Planning and Delivery Ian Burton said: “This partnership plays an important role in shaping how we plan and design infrastructure, bringing strong expertise to support projects across our service area. We look forward to working together to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our customers and communities with water and sewerage services that are safe, consistent and resilient.”
TasWater introduces Stage 2 restrictions in Oatlands
Stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for Oatlands as ongoing dry conditions continue to reduce water levels at the Blackman River dams.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said escalating restrictions was necessary to help protect the region’s water supply amid continued low rainfall and declining dam levels.
“Stage 2 water restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 50 per cent by encouraging more conscious use of water,” Mrs Hafner said.
“These restrictions are focused outside of the home and include changes such as allocated days for watering gardens and sports grounds, and with the watering of lawns no longer permitted.
“This will mean a change to the routines of some residents, but with support from the community these changes will significantly boost the amount of water available in the system.”
Unitywater progresses bioresource recovery facility
Unitywater is progressing development of a new bioresource recovery facility designed to convert biosolids from wastewater treatment into reusable biochar products.
The proposed facility would use high-temperature thermal processing technology to create products with applications across agriculture, soil remediation and consumer goods, while also supporting carbon reduction outcomes.
Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson said: “After an extensive two-year feasibility study, the results clearly demonstrate the cost offset benefits for our customers.
“We have compared current and likely future disposal methods and the increasing associated expense, with operating this new facility, which will create commercial products that offset costs.
“By generating revenue through product sales to offset costs and rethinking how we handle biosolids, the facility supports a circular economy and positions us to strategically manage the impacts of population growth and disposal challenges across our region.”
Gippsland Water says supply remains secure despite drier outlook
Gippsland Water says its supply systems remain in a strong position despite forecasts indicating winter rainfall could fall below average across the region.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said current storage levels and ongoing infrastructure investment had positioned the utility well to respond to drier conditions.
“Our supply systems are well-prepared, and our water storages are at healthy levels, with Moondarra at 88 per cent and our portion of Blue Rock at 78 per cent capacity,” Ms Cumming said.
“Careful planning, ongoing investment in infrastructure and active storage management allows us to remain resilient, even when conditions are drier than usual.”
Cumming also encouraged customers to continue following permanent water saving rules and remain mindful of water use year-round.
Greater Western Water appoints new planning and engineering partners
Greater Western Water has appointed AECOM and Aurecon, working together as Thrive, as its new planning partner, alongside a joint venture between Jacobs and Stantec as engineering services partner.
The partnerships will support long-term infrastructure planning and delivery across Melbourne’s west, where population growth is expected to significantly increase demand on existing assets.
General Manager Asset Planning and Delivery Ian Burton said: “We need to be ready for the future. This model moves us beyond a traditional project-by-project approach to long-term, collaborative partnerships that strengthen capability, improve consistency and enable us to deliver outcomes more efficiently.
“By working closely with our partners, we can better align investment decisions with the long-term needs of our customers and communities, and ensure our infrastructure is fit for purpose for decades to come.”
NSW Government funds collaborative western water pilots
The NSW Government is investing $650,000 to support collaborative pilot projects aimed at strengthening water and sewer services across western New South Wales.
The two-year pilots will explore shared staffing models and coordinated infrastructure planning between councils to improve service quality, drought resilience and long-term sustainability.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said: “Our Government is committed to ensuring our regional communities have equal access to safe, reliable and affordable water services and this is the next step in our plans to improve the system.
“We know the funding model for local water utilities isn’t working and we’re getting on with the job of reforming the sector.
“While that work is underway, we’re backing councils in our state’s west to work together on practical solutions that improve water services for their communities.”
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