Across the nation, new strategies and standout achievements are shaping the future of Australia’s water community. From cutting-edge carbon removal technologies and forward-thinking water security planning to local partnerships saving millions of litres, water’s role in building climate resilience and social wellbeing continues to grow.
Nationally, CSIRO has mapped Australia’s potential to lead a new carbon removal industry, while infrastructure advisors in Victoria are calling for action on recycled drinking water. Utilities and councils are working side-by-side to strengthen community resilience – from storm season preparedness and financial support to major infrastructure and sustainability awards.
Globally, leaders gathered in Brazil for COP30, where calls for urgent climate action are louder than ever and the world is reminded that every drop counts.
Water expert Greg Finlayson named GHD Distinguished Technical Leader
GHD has named Greg Finlayson as one of the inaugural recipients of its Distinguished Technical Leader designation. The recognition celebrates employees who demonstrate world-class technical achievement and visionary leadership across disciplines.
With over 30 years’ experience, Finlayson has played a leading role in major water infrastructure and desalination projects across Australia and beyond, influencing policy and guiding climate adaptation strategies.
“Our Distinguished Technical Leaders are bold thinkers and mentors whose insights help shape how GHD responds to the challenges that matter most,” said Executive General Manager – Technical Services Jill Hannaford.
New roadmap outlines Australia’s potential in novel carbon dioxide removal
CSIRO has released the Australian Carbon Dioxide Removal Roadmap, highlighting how a new CDR industry could help Australia – and the world – reach net zero.
The roadmap models novel technologies such as direct air capture, biomass carbon removal and ocean alkalinity enhancement, estimating Australia could remove up to 330 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2050.
CSIRO CarbonLock Director Dr Andrew Lenton said Australia’s natural advantages position it to lead in large-scale CDR deployment. “Our renewable energy resources and geology give us a unique value proposition few other regions can match,” he said.
Co-author Vivek Srinivasan added that scaling up would require strong investment, workforce development and partnerships with communities and Traditional Owners to ensure responsible growth of this emerging industry.
Hornsby Shire Council named NSW’s most sustainable city
Hornsby Shire Council has been awarded the 2025 Overall Sustainable Cities Winner by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, recognised for its leadership and innovation in creating a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban future.
Judges praised Hornsby’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship and community engagement. “Their progressive strategies and genuine connections set a powerful example for others to follow,” said Lead Assessor Peter Clark.
Victoria urged to pilot recycled drinking water
Victoria’s independent infrastructure advisor has recommended piloting a recycled drinking water facility to bolster long-term water security.
Released this week, Victoria’s Infrastructure Strategy 2025–2055 outlines how manufactured water sources – including recycled and desalinated water – could supply up to 65% of Melbourne’s needs by 2050.
“Recycled water costs less than treated stormwater and is more resilient to climate impacts,” said Infrastructure Victoria Chief Executive Dr Jonathan Spear. “We need to start preparing now.”
Yarra Valley Water offers holiday support
With one in three Australians feeling financial strain, Yarra Valley Water is encouraging customers to reach out for help this holiday season.
The utility provides concessions, grants and flexible payment plans, with over 23,000 customers supported through $54 million in assistance last financial year.
“We want our customers to feel heard and supported,” said General Manager Strategy and Community Tiffany White. “Friendly, understanding help is available now – and a phone call could make all the difference.”
Barwon Water partnership saves nearly 4 million litres
Barwon Water’s collaboration with Common Equity Housing Limited has saved 3.83 million litres of drinking water across 42 properties in the Geelong region.
Through the Community Housing Retrofit Program, leaking fixtures were repaired and inefficient fittings replaced, saving tenants thousands in water costs.
“Small changes like fixing leaks or upgrading taps make a big difference,” said General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher.
Greater Western Water takes responsibility for billing issues
Greater Western Water has reached an enforceable undertaking with the Essential Services Commission following billing issues that arose after the rollout of a new system in 2024.
Under the agreement, the utility will waive approximately $75 million in unbilled charges and provide $55 million in customer credits. Affected households will automatically receive between $80 and $240 in compensation, while additional support is being offered to those who faced delayed or incorrect billing.
“We know the billing issues have caused significant frustration for our customers, and we’re genuinely sorry for the impact this has had,” said Acting Managing Director Craig Dixon. “This enforceable undertaking is about taking responsibility and ensuring we deliver the experience our customers deserve.”
Progress continues on Launceston’s sewer transformation
TasWater is advancing preliminary works for the Launceston Sewer Transformation Project, one of northern Tasmania’s largest environmental and infrastructure upgrades.
The project will modernise ageing sewer systems, improve public health, and protect the Kanamaluka/Tamar estuary while supporting future growth.
COP30 opens with calls for stronger climate action
The COP30 UN Climate Conference began this week in Belém, Brazil – marking the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement and a crucial moment for global climate efforts.
UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2025 warns that the world remains on track for dangerous temperature rises without more ambitious action.
Sand mining threatens Southeast Asia’s largest lake
New research published in Nature Sustainability has found that intensive sand mining is disrupting Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s most productive freshwater ecosystems.
The practice is altering the lake’s seasonal flood pulse, which supports biodiversity and water regulation across the Mekong delta, home to 23 million people.
Extreme heat devastates Amazonian lakes
A Science study has revealed that water temperatures in some Amazonian lakes reached 41°C during the 2023 drought – the highest ever recorded – killing thousands of fish and river dolphins.
Researchers linked the disaster to a combination of shallow depths, murky water and intense solar radiation, creating lethal thermal stress across aquatic ecosystems.
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