18 Mar, 2026
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Event check in from 5.00pm AEST
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Brisbane and Online
Power to X: Enabling Our Water Future
Power-to-X technologies promise cleaner fuels and new economic opportunities. But they also raise hard, practical questions for our sector around: water use, community impact and how we protect long-term water security while enabling decarbonisation?
This event hosted by our YWP's brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the water sector’s role in the energy transition, with a clear lens on social licence and community outcomes. Our central question is simple (and not): How can the water sector responsibly support Power-to-X, while protecting water security and strengthening community trust?
Because ESG can’t be treated as a “tick-the-box” exercise anymore. Stakeholders expect transparency, evidence, and measurable impact. And increasingly, so do emerging professionals, who are choosing employers based on values, credibility, and the way sustainability shows up in real decisions.
Join us for a practical, forward-focused conversation on how we lead with integrity, harness new technologies responsibly, and build the trust required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday 18 March, 2026
- Time: 5:00pm check in for 5.30pm start (AEST)
- Location: Stantec Offices, 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
or ONLINE
Chloe Palin and Vidura Ratnayake
Facilitator
Johanna Johnson
Johanna recently completed her MBA at QUT, strengthening her strategic, financial and commercial expertise and broadening her perspective on leadership in complex operating environments. She now works as a Sustainability Lead in consultancy, supporting organisations to embed practical, commercially viable sustainability strategies and progress toward a circular economy.
A former Young Water Professional of the Year and active member of the AWA QLD Branch Committee, Johanna contributes to the industry both through her sustainability leadership and her commitment to developing emerging professionals in the water sector.
Her work focuses on translating sustainability ambition into measurable outcomes, aligning environmental responsibility with sound business performance, and helping shape a resilient and future-ready water industry.
Panelists
Dr Sandra Hall
CEO of Water Stewardship Asia Pacific (WASP) and a respected leader in sustainable water management. Her work in water stewardship focuses on strengthening risk management, environmental and community resilience, climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection and social license. She serves on the Leadership Council of Pride in Water and the Advisory Board of the International Water Centre. Sandra is widely recognised for her commitment to inclusive leadership and sector advancement. In 2025, she received the AWA Queensland Distinguished Service Award in acknowledgement of her significant service to the water industry.
Professor Yu Lin Zhong
Joined Griffith University in 2016 and is currently a Professor and Academic Lead (Materials and Analytical Chemistry) at the School of Environment and Science.
He completed his PhD in Chemistry at National University of Singapore and did his post-doctoral training at Princeton University (2009) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2011). Thereafter, he worked as a Research Scientist at Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR Singapore, (2012) and an ARC DECRA Fellow at Monash University (2013). His research group interests include electrochemical production of functional nanomaterials and 3D printing of energy storage and wearable devices.
Grant Gabriel
Chief Executive Officer of ARRC Gold Coast, where he is leading the delivery of one of Australia’s most ambitious resource recovery precincts. With more than 20 years’ experience across water, waste, energy and mining infrastructure, Grant has built a reputation for turning complex projects into operational, high-performing assets. His career spans leadership roles delivering major programs for public and private sector clients, with a strong focus on governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement. He is deeply committed to sustainability, innovation and public value, and is focused on positioning ARRC Gold Coast as a benchmark for next-generation waste, recycling and energy infrastructure in Australia.
Dr Jamin Wood
With over a decade of engineering experience across startups and research, Dr Jamin Wood is recognised for his ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams in delivery complex and high-impact projects. As the CEO and founder of Birra Technologies, a Brisbane-based green methanol company, he is driving innovation in sustainable fuel solutions to help the global shipping industry reach net zero. Drawing inspiration from nature, Dr. Wood and his team are pioneering advancements in green methanol and catalysis, position Birra Technologies at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise one of the world’s most challenging sectors.
Event Details
| Date |
18 March 2026 |
| Time - AEST |
5.00pm - Check in |
| Venue |
Stantec |
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|
Registration
Register now to attend in person or online.
Member $50
Non-Member $70
Concession Member $30
Boardroom Pass $200
Thanks to the Queensland Technical Event Sponsor
Enquiries
Please contact Kylie Pinwill, Member Engagement Manager - Queensland, with any queries in relation to this event on kpinwill@awa.asn.au or phone 0417 274 876.
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