Week in water: updates from across the water community

This week’s water sector activity focused on water security, infrastructure investment, workforce development and environmental regulation, with governments, utilities and researchers progressing initiatives to support growing communities, strengthen resilience and improve long-term service delivery.

From major desalination and recycled water projects to new research into green hydrogen production and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, the latest developments highlight the sector’s continued focus on sustainability, innovation and future planning.

NATIONAL

National EPA appoints inaugural chief executive officer
The Australian Government has appointed John Bradley PSM as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s first National Environmental Protection Agency ahead of its launch on 1 July.

Bradley brings more than 25 years of experience across environment regulation, water, energy, climate and planning, having most recently led Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said: “Bradley’s diverse background in public administration, industry and the not-for-profit sector make him the ideal candidate to effectively deliver real gains for the environment and business through the National EPA.”

CSIRO launches national STEM campaign
CSIRO has launched its #WithSTEMYouCan campaign to encourage students, parents and caregivers to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The campaign includes free resources, videos and practical tools designed to support conversations about STEM study pathways and careers, with a focus on building awareness of future workforce opportunities.

STATE AND TERRITORY

Water Corporation strengthens Aboriginal procurement requirements
Water Corporation will introduce stronger procurement incentives from 1 July aimed at increasing Aboriginal employment, training and business participation across major water and wastewater projects.

The utility is on track to award $45.6 million in contracts to Aboriginal businesses during 2025-26, supported by major projects including the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant.

Water Minister Don Punch said: “These changes will open the door for more Aboriginal businesses to share in Western Australia's record water infrastructure investment.”

Alkimos pipeline reaches major construction milestone
Construction has reached the halfway mark on the 33.5-kilometre trunk main that will connect the future Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant to Water Corporation’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme.

More than 17 kilometres of pipeline have now been laid, with the project forming part of the State Government’s $2.8 billion investment in the desalination plant, which will initially supply 50 billion litres of water annually.

Power and Water launches STEM careers program
Power and Water has launched a new education initiative designed to connect Northern Territory students with STEM career opportunities.

The That’s My Career! program provides hands-on workshops that introduce students to essential services, local industries and critical infrastructure careers through practical learning experiences and role-play activities.

Early Careers Adviser Peter Morrison-Evans said: “This exciting hands-on program is designed to inspire Territory students to explore STEM careers.”

Construction begins on Mundarlo Bridge replacement
Construction has commenced on the $30.7 million Mundarlo Bridge Replacement Project in New South Wales, improving access across the Murrumbidgee River during higher flow events.

The new bridge will be built 3.7 metres higher than the existing structure and designed to remain operational during significantly larger river flows, reducing disruption for local communities.

Construction underway on Western Port Recycled Water Scheme
Construction has commenced on South East Water’s Western Port Recycled Water Scheme, which will supply up to 4,000 million litres of Class A recycled water annually to farms across Cardinia Shire.

The project aims to improve water security for agriculture, reduce reliance on groundwater and waterways, and support regional growth in one of Victoria’s key food-producing regions.

South East Water Managing Director Carla Purcell said: “Recycled water is a safe, sustainable choice that helps our customers save precious drinking water while strengthening the resilience of our whole community.”

GMW summit highlights water security concerns
Water security, future planning and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review were key topics at Goulburn-Murray Water’s Customer Committee Summit in Kialla.

The event brought together customer representatives, board directors and staff to discuss water availability, policy reform and future infrastructure priorities, while also providing early input into GMW’s next price submission.

GMW Chair Justin Hanney said: “Customer Committees give us a direct line of sight to what’s happening on the ground and where the pressure points are for customers and communities.”

TasWater project to support growth and protect waterways
TasWater has commenced construction on the Prospect Vale Sewerage Improvement Project, the first stage of a broader sewer transformation program for northern Tasmania.

The project will redirect wastewater to the Ti Tree Bend Sewage Treatment Plant, retire ageing infrastructure and support future growth across Greater Launceston.

TasWater Head of Major Projects Andrew Truscott said: “This project is about protecting these places, reducing environmental risks and ensuring the community can enjoy them safely for generations to come.”

INTERNATIONAL

Jacobs to study potential new Singapore desalination plant
Jacobs has been appointed by Singapore’s national water agency PUB to undertake a feasibility study for a potential new desalination plant to support the nation’s long-term water security.

The study will assess land-efficient designs and the feasibility of a dual-mode facility capable of treating both seawater and freshwater to improve operational flexibility and resilience.

Jacobs President of Global Operations Patrick Hill said: “By combining our global desalination and water reuse capabilities with strong local delivery capability, we’re able to explore innovative solutions that optimise scarce land resources while supporting the nation’s future water security needs.”

Study suggests climate change may weaken extreme El Niño impacts
New research published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests the characteristic impacts of extreme El Niño events may weaken as global temperatures continue to rise.

Using 13 climate models, researchers found that rainfall and temperature patterns traditionally associated with strong El Niño events shifted eastward and became less pronounced under higher warming scenarios.

The findings suggest regions that have historically experienced significant rainfall or temperature changes during major El Niño events may see different outcomes in a warmer climate.

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