Week in water: updates from across the water community

Water sector activity this week spans infrastructure milestones, water restrictions, environmental restoration, policy reform and scientific discovery, reflecting a continued focus on resilience, efficiency and long-term sustainability.

From major pipeline works and regional water security measures to habitat restoration and global research insights, developments across the sector highlight both immediate pressures and the broader transition underway.

STATE AND TERRITORY

500 trees for future Hinterland koala habitat
More than 500 native trees have been planted at Bald Knob in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland to help restore koala habitat and strengthen wildlife corridors.

The project, supported by Unitywater’s Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program, will connect habitat between Mooloolah Valley and Maleny.

Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Joshua Zugajev said: “We’re happy to support the Roving Restorers program, empowering this passionate group of volunteers to continue their excellent work to replenish protective tree canopies for wildlife including koalas, wallabies, owls and echidnas".

“Unitywater operates in a part of South East Queensland that is home to some beloved wildlife, essential to the health and resilience of local ecosystems and valued by the communities who live, work and holiday in the region.”

New water basin build reaches major milestone
Construction of a new 50-megalitre basin to service five towns in the Latrobe Valley has reached a major milestone, with civil works now complete.

Liner and cover works have commenced at Clarkes Road, Traralgon in preparation for it to be filled with potable water. The new basin will service Traralgon, Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr and Rosedale.

Once complete, it will provide additional storage capacity to help meet peak water demand during hotter, drier periods.

Last section of major Hobart infrastructure pipeline to be installed
The final stage of a critical underground pipeline beneath one of Hobart’s busiest transport corridors is set to be completed, marking a key milestone for the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation.

TasWater General Manager Project Delivery Tony Willmott said: “We understand road closures may cause some inconvenience, and we thank the community for their patience while we complete this important work that will improve the health of the River Derwent and support Hobart’s future growth”.

The project is TasWater’s largest to date and is expected to generate 1.1 billion dollars in economic activity and support 3,420 jobs.

Stage three water restrictions for Orford and Triabunna
Stage three water restrictions will come into effect for Orford and Triabunna from 27 April as dry conditions continue across Tasmania’s East Coast.

TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said: “We appreciate the efforts the communities in Orford and Triabunna have already made in reducing water usage over the previous months, but unfortunately we are left with no option but to increase restrictions further".

“Orford and Triabunna’s water is fed from the Upper and Lower Prosser dams, which are under extreme pressure during this period of minimal rainfall. The Upper Prosser Dam currently sits at 18% capacity and is facing further drops unless significant rainfall arrives.

“Fortunately, due to a release from the Upper Dam, the Lower Dam sits at 83% capacity, but the reality is that without significant rain, that will not last long.”

New irrigation guide targets water savings in Central Australia
A new irrigation guide is helping Central Australians improve water efficiency in one of the country’s driest regions.

The Ultimate Irrigation User Guide for Central Australia provides practical advice for households, businesses and landscapers, where evaporation exceeds rainfall by more than tenfold.

Power and Water water demand specialist Dan Brown said: “In Central Australia, every drop counts. This new Ultimate Irrigation User Guide provides clear, practical advice to help households and businesses in that region use water more efficiently while keeping their gardens healthy”.

“This guide is tailored specifically to our arid climate and supports the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to water security and responsible demand management.”

The guide builds on previous programs that have significantly reduced water use and includes advice on irrigation design, soil improvement and plant selection.

Smoke testing to improve Port Lincoln sewer network
SA Water will carry out smoke testing in Port Lincoln to identify stormwater entering the sewer network and reduce the risk of overflows.

The testing will help pinpoint illegal connections and damaged pipes that allow stormwater into the system, increasing pressure during heavy rainfall.

General Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Peter Seltsikas said: “Our observations indicate there may be points in the network where stormwater is entering the system during some rain events, and this testing will help us identify those locations".

“By identifying where stormwater is entering the system, we can target improvements that help reduce the risk of overflows and ensure our sewer network continues protecting public health and the environment.”

WA moves closer to streamlined environmental approvals
The Federal and Western Australian Governments have committed to progressing a new bilateral agreement aimed at streamlining environmental approvals.

The agreement will remove duplication between state and federal assessment processes, reducing approval timeframes while maintaining environmental protections.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said: “The signing of the MoU today represents a significant step toward faster decision making, while protecting WA’s incredible natural environment and heritage”.

“Key objectives of our agreement today include the establishment of a single State led assessment, where possible with a single set of conditions, with assurance provided by our new National Environmental Protection Agency.”

INTERNATIONAL

Study sheds light on evolution of cyanobacteria
Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria have discovered that a protein system in cyanobacteria, previously thought to separate DNA, instead plays a role in shaping cell structure.

The findings provide new insight into how complex cellular systems evolve and how multicellularity may have emerged in these ecologically significant organisms.

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