AWA National Policy Forum 2026

Dr Jane Doolan Member Murray Darling Basin Authority, Honorary Member International Water Resources Association, Member Water Policy Group

Dr Jane Doolan has over 30 years' experience in sustainable water resource management, providing policy advice at senior levels to both the Australian and state governments on issues such as water supply and security, national water reform, river health, environmental water allocation, catchment management, and the management of water during drought and climate change.  Jane is currently a Member of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, a Member of the Victorian Water Security Task Force and a Founding Member of the Water Policy Group. Previous positions include Director of Southern Rural and Western Water Corporations, Environment Commissioner with the Australian Productivity Commission, Commissioner with the National Water Commission, Professorial Fellow in Natural Resource Governance at the University of Canberra and Deputy Secretary for Water in the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries. In 2024, she was appointed as an Honorary Member of the International Water Resources Association. 

Joanne Townsend, Chief Executive Officer, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment

Joanne Townsend Chief Executive Officer, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment

Jo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment (DLPE). As the CEO, Jo is responsible for leading the agency’s delivery of integrated and strategic natural resource, land and infrastructure planning to enable sustainable economic growth as well as facilitating land development opportunities that contribute to economic and social outcomes. These activities are informed by scientific assessment and monitoring of the Territory’s land, water, biodiversity and cultural assets.

DLPE is also responsible for assessment, monitoring and compliance and support services for the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA).

Jo has an extensive and diverse career in the Northern Territory Public Sector spanning
almost 30 years and has held executive leadership roles in social policy, public health, child protection, and water resources. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology.

Matthew Coulton Associate Director, Ricardo

Matthew is an Associate Director at Ricardo and an adviser to Australian Governments, industries and communities on water science, policy and management. He has held senior policy and science roles in the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, including as an adviser to water ministers and as General Manager of Water and Agriculture at the Bureau of Meteorology. Matthew is passionate about preserving the successful elements of Australian water policy, while ensuring is can adapt and evolve in response to changing community expectations and emerging threats.

Phillip Birtles Urban Water Manager, Sydney Water

Phillip Birtles is the Integrated Water Cycle Manager at Sydney Water, where he leads innovative strategies to enhance waterway health and urban liveability. Phillip's team have integrated a design approach into the city planning around the new Western Sydney Airport that protects the ecology of the waterways, respects Country and combines harvested stormwater with recycled wastewater to create cool, shady urban spaces.