Champions of Sustainability – ANZBP National Conference 2023
by Johanna Johnson
The National Biosolids Conference 2023 was a huge success with Australia-wide and international speakers. The biennial conference was held for the first time since 2019 at the Ariel, the University of Technology Sydney, with the theme – ‘Champions for Sustainability’.
Over 180 sustainability professionals came together for the Australian Water Association’s National Biosolids Conference 2023 in Sydney. The National Biosolids Conference 2023 was a huge success with Australia-wide and international speakers. The biennial conference was held for the first time since 2019 with the theme – ‘Champions for Sustainability’.
Dr Sally Brown (aka Queen of Biosolids) gave the opening keynote address calling out those working in the Biosolids industry ‘sustainability superhero's. Biosolids are part of the circular economy for wastewater treatment plants and plays a role in nutrient recycling and reducing carbon in the atmosphere. Day 1 was insightful hearing about community perceptions of biosolids, risk management and regulation, as well as infrastructure innovation in biosolids just to name a few of the varied topics.
Day 2 started off with Richard Lancaster sharing a global perspective and the paradigm shift in the sector. The day ended with a though provoking panel discussion from farmers perspective on how useful and beneficial biosolids application is their sector. This open discussion only emphasised what Dr Sally Brown said about the role of biosolids and the circular economy.
Additionally, Panel Discussions with leading experts covered Biosolids beneficial use, risk management and regulation in practice, featuring panellists from state EPAs and Government Departments. I had the pleasure of both partaking in a panel discussion about risk and resilience in an uncertain future facilitated by Chris Hertle. As well as presenting on Logan Water's gasification facility that produces biochar and helps drive the circular economy.
It was great to catch up with members and reconnect with friends and colleagues. The amount of Young Water professionals and their enthusiasm for sustainability shows that they will be the future champions of this wonderful resource. A massive thankyou to Kelly Hopewell and the committee for developing such a great program and to the amazing team especially Minh Duc Nguyen and Sally Lorraine for making it happen.
Can’t wait to see you all in 2025 for the next Australia New Zealand Biosolids Conference.
