The 2025 North Queensland Conference in Cairns will explore the theme of The Water Rollercoaster: Thriving in Extremes
The Water Rollercoaster: Thriving in Extremes
North Queensland’s water story is one of extremes - floods, droughts, and everything in between.
The 2025 North Queensland Conference in Cairns will explore how the water industry, local communities, and infrastructure providers can not only survive but thrive in these volatile conditions.
With factors such as population growth, skills shortages, and infrastructure pressures adding further complexity, resilience and innovation in water management have never been more critical.
The conference seeks to provide a forum to showcase the resilience and adaptability of the water industry and our community, ensuring that communities can thrive despite the challenges posed by the unpredictable nature of water availability. We look to INSPIRE individuals through SHARED experiences and CONNECTED membership.
Conference & Exhibition
| Date | Thursday, 7 August - Friday, 8 August 2025 |
| Time | 8:30am - 5:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Pullman Reef Hotel Casino |
| Address | Wharf St, Cairns |
Welcome Networking Function - Sponsored by BMD
| Date | Wednesday, 6 August 2025 |
| Time | 6:00pm - 8:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Cairns Aquarium 5 Florence St, Cairns - 900m walk from the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino |
| Cost | $110 [in addition to Conference Registration] |
Conference Dinner - Sponsored by Townsville City Council
| Date | Thursday, 7 August 2025 |
| Time | 6:30pm - 10:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Salt House Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns - 600m walk from the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino |
| Cost | Included in the conference registration |
| Date | Wednesday, 6 August 2025 |
| Time | 2:30pm - 5:30pm AEST |
| About |
Explore the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project and gain insight into one of the region’s critical infrastructure developments. This guided tour will showcase the construction of the Dissolved Air Flotation and Filtration (DAFF) plant, designed to enhance water treatment capabilities. Attendees will also see the construction progress of the 5ML reservoir, wash water and raw water balance tank and other site works which are all integral to improving water storage and supply for the Cairns community. Additionally, the tour includes an overview of the modern administration building under construction, that will support the project’s operations and play a vital role in securing a reliable water future for Cairns. Collection point: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino |
| What to bring | Long sleeve shirt, Long Pants, Safety Boots (JH/CRC to provide hard hat; safety glasses and hi-vis vest) |
| Cost | $25 per person |
| Capacity | 30 guests |
| Registration Type | Member | Concession Member | Non-Member |
| Early Bird* Full Registration | $729.00 | $546.75 | $1,017.00 |
|
Early Bird* Day Only Registration |
$441.00 | $330.75 | $562.50 |
| Early Bird* Full Registration + 1 Year AWA Membership | $985.50 | ||
| Standard Full Registration | $810.00 | $607.50 | $1,130.00 |
|
Standard Day Only Registration |
$490.00 | $367.50 | $625.00 |
| Standard Full Registration + 1 Year AWA Membership | $1,095.00 |
*Early bird rate available until 30 June
All registration types include:
- All day catering on your selected days of the conference (day only or full conference)
- Conference dinner on Thursday, 7 August
- Optional add on for Welcome Networking Function on Wednesday, 6 August
- Optional add on for the Site Tour on Wednesday, 6 August
If you wish to find out more about AWA's membership benefits, contact membership@awa.asn.au.
Accommodation
Discounted accommodation is available at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (Conference Venue)
To book, please call the hotel on 07 4030 8888, or email reservations@reefcasino.com.au with the code: 0806AWAC
For more information please contact:
EVENT:
Kylie Pinwill, QLD Member Engagement Manager | Ph: 0417 274 876 | E: KPinwill@awa.asn.au
Laura Steffan, Senior Events Manager | P: 02 9467 8408 | E: lsteffan@awa.asn.au
EXHIBITION:
Michael Silber, Exhibition and Events Manager | P: 02 9467 8428 | E: msilber@awa.asn.au
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Troy Waite, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager | P: 02 9467 8426 | E: twaite@awa.asn.au