By the Bubbler with Jim Soorley

Jim Soorley is a former Australian politician, who served as Lord Mayor of Brisbane from 1991 to 2003 and was a former Roman Catholic Priest. From 2017, Jim has been Chairman of Unitywater. The AWA's Queensland Branch sat down with Jim to find out more about him.

What drew you to the water industry?

When I was elected Mayor of Brisbane in 1991 I inherited one of the largest integrated water business in Australia. In fact, within weeks we had to approve the annual budget.

Who or what do you take inspiration from?

Paul Keating, a great reforming Prime Minister. He also started the reform of the water industry in the mid-1990s.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Read novels and history books.

If you were a breed of dog, which would you be and why?

A husky, because my family owned one and they are intelligent and loyal.

What do you believe is currently the greatest challenge for your part of the water industry?

Our greatest challenge in this time of COVID-19 is to continue to serve our communities and ensure all staff stay well and safe.

How do you consider your organisation benefits most from being a corporate member of the Australian Water Association?

Unitywater benefits most by being a corporate member of the AWA through the sharing of data and research.

What messages would you like to give to your colleagues in the Queensland water sector?

Outside the South East corner there is still significant water reform required. We need to get serious about re-use of water.