Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
Across Australia, new infrastructure upgrades, community partnerships and sector-wide planning are shaping the close of the year.
From major funding programs and environmental planning reforms, to local resilience works, cultural research projects and infrastructure renewal, the week reflects continued investment in systems that support communities and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Utilities and partners remain focused on growth, preparedness and environmental outcomes, while international research highlights practical ways to deepen public engagement on climate risk.
National
Funding round opens to support southern Basin communities
Up to $70 million in support is now available for councils, organisations and businesses in the southern Murray–Darling Basin, with the Federal and State Governments launching the Economic Development and Infrastructure Round. Applications close 24 February 2026.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the program would deliver lasting benefits: “Healthy river systems are essential for strong, resilient communities. We’re committed to restoring our rivers while ensuring regional communities are supported along the way.”
NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the funding marked a significant step for Basin communities: “This is about giving southern Basin communities the funding and support they need to begin a new chapter, one where local economies can diversify, industries can grow, and families and workers can look ahead to new opportunities with confidence.”
States and territories
Peregian Beach reservoir artwork nears reveal
Unitywater is preparing to unveil the renewed mural on the Peregian Beach reservoir as part of a $3.9 million upgrade including structural repairs and a new roof.
Unitywater Chief Executive Officer Anna Jackson said the mural renewal was both practical and community focused: “The maintenance works will help ensure water quality for about 2,000 properties and will increase the longevity of this asset, meaning it can continue supplying water for these communities for the next 40-plus years.”
Cooks River clean-up targets e-bike pollution
A major clean-up of the Cooks River has removed e-bikes, shopping trolleys and other large debris, with Sydney Water and partners working to lift the health of one of Sydney’s most urbanised waterways.
Sydney Water Waterway Coordination Manager Leanne Niblock said coordinated local action was vital: “E-bike pollution is a reminder that this natural waterway winds through one of Australia’s most densely urbanised industrial areas and pollution is a constant challenge.”
Sydney Water appoints delivery partner for 1936 pipeline renewal
Sydney Water has appointed McConnell Dowell and Gamuda Engineering Joint Venture to deliver a major project reinstating a key 1936 water main between Ryde and Wahroonga.
Sydney Water Program Director Darren Wharton said the upgrade would support the city’s growth: “Reinstating this historic pipeline is about future-proofing Sydney’s water network so we can reliably support new homes, growing communities and a stronger economy.”
Sequana Group expands advisory capability with new partnerships
The Sequana Group has added environmental consultancy WolfPeak and communications firm Factotum Communications, bolstering its national capability across environmental planning, engagement and project delivery.
Sequana Group Chief Executive Officer Frank Fisseler said the new partnerships reflected shared purpose: “Our partnerships with WolfPeak and Factotum strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges for clients and communities.”
Hobart’s WWII-era water mains finally replaced
TasWater has completed major works replacing ageing water mains on Liverpool and Murray streets, removing pipework dating back to the 1940s.
TasWater General Manager Project Delivery Tony Willmott said the renewal was overdue: “We replaced water mains that have served generations, including sections that can be traced back to the 1940s.”
GMW Managing Director to step down in 2026
Goulburn-Murray Water Managing Director Charmaine Quick has announced she will conclude her tenure in July next year after seven-and-a-half years in the role.
GMW Chair Justin Hanney said her leadership had a lasting impact: “As our first female Managing Director, she has made history and set a powerful example for future leaders.”
Quick said she was proud of what the organisation had achieved: “My hope is that my legacy will be one of collaboration, data-based decisions and positive change.”
Gippsland Regional Organics expansion unveiled
Gippsland Water has formally opened a $12.2 million expansion at its Dutson Downs organics site, lifting processing capacity by nearly 40%.
Gippsland Water Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the expansion would support regional sustainability: “We will be able to further reduce emissions by redirecting more organic material away from landfills.”
Aboriginal-led mangrove research sets new benchmark
A new study led by Yirrganydji Traditional Custodians, RMIT University, Blue Carbon Lab and Cairns Airport has shown the region’s mangroves store more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon each year.
Study lead and RMIT University researcher Dr Micheli Costa said collaboration had strengthened the research: “This project was about bringing together different forms of knowledge and strengthening capacity for long-term monitoring.”
Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program project lead Brian Singleton said cultural leadership was central: “This project was special because it brought together our knowledge with scientific research, right here in a place deeply meaningful to us.”
Dingley Recycled Water Scheme progresses
South East Water is progressing works on the Dingley Recycled Water Scheme, which will deliver up to 1.8 billion litres of Class A recycled water annually to parks, ovals, nurseries and market gardens.
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair said the scheme would build climate resilience: “We’re providing fit-for-purpose recycled water, helping conserve drinking water and create greener spaces.”
Study highlights gaps in Adelaide’s urban green space health
New research from the University of South Australia has found several ecological criteria in metropolitan green spaces fall below required standards, including water resource management and protection of existing green cover.
Lead researcher Dr Rosa Teimouri said more coordinated action is needed: “Sustainable water sources such as recycled water and rainwater harvesting are still underused, and these areas need targeted policy and action.”
International
Localised messaging boosts disaster preparedness
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour has found that disaster preparedness messages referencing a person’s suburb significantly increase engagement with climate risk information.
Lead author Nurit Nobel, a researcher at the Stockholm School of Economics, said localisation made threats more tangible: “By mentioning people’s own suburbs, the communication transformed an otherwise diffuse, uncertain risk into something concrete and understandable.”
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