Australia’s water sector continues to respond to both pressing challenges and exciting opportunities, with climate planning, infrastructure upgrades and community initiatives shaping outcomes nationwide.
This week, the first National Climate Risk Assessment was released, a sobering reminder of the scale of action needed to safeguard health, communities and ecosystems. At the same time, Victorian exporter Aquatec has been recognised for sustainable innovation on the world stage, while Gippsland Water has hit its renewable energy target years ahead of schedule.
Across the states and territories, utilities are taking proactive steps to improve services and support communities – from Yarra Valley Water’s Walk for Water fundraising and Unitywater’s smoke testing program, to new investments in Queensland landscapes, a Tasmanian pipeline securing supply, and blue-green algae warnings lifted at a popular lake.
Meanwhile, international developments are showcasing both ambition and inspiration, with China unveiling a record-breaking hydroelectric project, the Chicago River winning global recognition for restoration, and new Canadian research revealing the hidden carbon costs of logging.
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Climate risk report warns of catastrophic impacts
The first National Climate Risk Assessment has warned of mega-droughts, deadly heatwaves and rising seas if warming is not limited to 1.5 degrees. The report projects a 444% increase in heat-related deaths in Sydney and 423% in Darwin under 3℃ of warming, alongside widespread coastal inundation.
Future Group CEO Simon Sheikh said: “Australians are demanding ambition. This isn’t a fringe view – it is a clear majority of voters saying they want a 75 per cent target or higher by 2035. Businesses are saying the same, and the science has long been clear. For once, the public, business and experts are all pulling in the same direction.”
Aquatec secures export recognition
Victorian company Aquatec has won the 2025 Governor of Victoria Export Award in the Sustainability and Green Economy category, recognising its contribution to global sustainable water infrastructure. The family-owned business has grown into an international exporter while retaining its local roots.
CEO Harvey Seeley said: “This award is great recognition of the hard work of our team to grow our organisation and create lasting value for our clients and the communities they serve. Looking ahead, we remain committed to innovation, strengthening our workforce and expanding our global partnerships.”
Darren Cleary appointed Sydney Water MD
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary has been named the next Managing Director of Sydney Water by Minister for Water Rose Jackson. Set to commence on 17 November, Cleary will bring more than 25 years of utility sector experience to the role, across infrastructure planning, capital delivery and operations.
Cleary has led Hunter Water’s Executive Management Team and previously held senior roles including Chief Investment Officer, Executive Manager Strategy & Planning and Chief Operating Officer. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Newcastle Institute of Energy and Resources and is a past Director of the Committee for the Hunter.
In a statement to stakeholders, Sydney Water Chair Niall Blair said: "In his time as Hunter Water Managing Director Darren oversaw their recent price proposal which IPART rated as ‘advanced.’ Darren implemented a customer-centric corporate strategy and secured approval for a desalination plant. His experience in New South Wales means he is well placed to navigate our political and regulatory environments".
"Please join me in welcoming Darren to Sydney Water and we look forward to continuing our work with you to deliver world class water services for the 5.4 million Greater Sydney and Illawarra customers we serve for every day."
Yarra Valley Water joins Walk for Water campaign
Yarra Valley Water staff will once again participate in WaterAid Australia’s Walk for Water, raising funds to support the 703 million people worldwide still without access to clean water. The event runs from 6–10 October and has already raised more than $45,000 from staff contributions in recent years.
Manager Waste to Energy Services, Stephanie Salinas, said: “Providing people with access to clean water doesn’t just improve health – it changes lives. In many countries, women and girls are the ones walking long distances to collect water, which limits their education and job opportunities. Knowing we can play a small role in changing that is incredibly meaningful.”
Unitywater expands smoke testing program
Unitywater has launched its annual smoke testing program to detect defects in private plumbing and wastewater assets across South East Queensland. Since 2021, the initiative has inspected 38,000 properties, reducing stormwater inflow by 548 megalitres a year.
Acting Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Ivan Beirne, said: “This program was designed to minimise the volume of stormwater that enters the wastewater network during heavy rain. By addressing defects in private plumbing and our own infrastructure, we’re significantly reducing the risk of wastewater overflows and ensuring safer, more reliable services.”
Queensland launches $117m NRM program
The Queensland Government has announced the first four projects under its $117.84 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program. Nearly $7 million will fund restoration projects across the Gulf Savannah and Far North Queensland, targeting invasive species, feral animal impacts and endangered ecosystems.
Minister for Natural Resources Dale Last said: “Queensland’s NRM groups are highly experienced at delivering outcomes on the ground, and this program is about scaling that success across more of the state. These projects will protect ecosystems, support regional communities and ensure our natural resources are managed sustainably for the future.”
Gippsland Water reaches 100% renewable power
Gippsland Water has achieved its 2025 goal of sourcing all electricity from renewable energy, cutting more than 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The milestone forms part of its broader plan to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “Now that we are sourcing all of our electricity from renewable sources, our carbon emissions will drop significantly, putting us firmly on track for net zero. This achievement also supports the Victorian Government’s pledge mandating 100 per cent renewable electricity for all government operations by 2025.”
TasWater secures supply with Spring Bay pipeline
TasWater has completed a new 885-metre underwater pipeline across Spring Bay, strengthening supply for Orford and Triabunna. The new infrastructure replaces a 76-year-old corroded pipeline and forms part of TasWater’s $2 billion investment program.
General Manager of Asset Management Services, Mark Thomasson, said: “Work on the new pipeline was completed with minimal disruption to residents and local businesses. TasWater will continue to keep the community informed throughout the project and beyond.”
Blue-green algae warning lifted at Lake Eppalock
Goulburn-Murray Water has removed a blue-green algae warning for Lake Eppalock after levels dropped significantly. The alert, which had been in place for 154 days, was originally issued in April.
Water Quality Coordinator Bianca Atley said: “We will continue undertaking water quality monitoring and if blue-green algae reach levels deemed unsafe by national health guidelines, a warning will be issued. For now, we’re pleased visitors can once again enjoy the lake safely.”
China unveils record-breaking hydro dam
China has completed a hydroelectric power plant on the Tibetan Plateau that towers more than 300 metres high – comparable to the Eiffel Tower – and produces 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The project represents one of the most ambitious feats of modern engineering and significantly strengthens the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The plant harnesses high-altitude water flows to supply enough clean power for entire provinces. Officials have described the dam as a bold shift in China’s approach to balancing hydropower with wind and solar energy, underscoring its commitment to diversifying renewable generation at scale.
Chicago River transformation wins global award
Friends of the Chicago River has been awarded the 2025 Thiess International River Prize at the International River Symposium in Brisbane. Once too polluted to paddle, the river is now safe enough for its first open-water swim in nearly a century.
International River Foundation Chair Michael Wright said: “The Chicago River’s transformation is evidence of what’s possible when communities, scientists and government unite behind a shared vision. Their success highlights a legacy of ecological renewal and civic pride that can inspire cities worldwide.”
Logging linked to hidden carbon loss
A Canadian study has revealed that tree harvesting can significantly increase carbon loss through dissolved organic matter (DOM) runoff. Researchers found DOM concentrations quadrupled in logged catchments, with changes persisting for more than two years.
The study concluded: “Soil disturbance and loss of tree cover cause a surge in dissolved organic matter in runoff, which persists well beyond the initial harvest period. This has implications for how we account for carbon in managed forests and for the health of waterways downstream.”
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