Making this decade matter at QWater'23

Over 300 delegates turned out for QWater'23 held on Thursday 9 November and Friday 10 November to discuss 'Making This Decade Matter'.

QWater'23 aimed to emphasise the urgency and significance of the practical steps and actions that need to be taken to ensure the long-term sustainability of water for our many needs. 

The conference explored learnings and industry reflections from our past efforts, the innovative approaches going forward, and the transformation needed to address the challenges of population growth, accessibility and equity, climate change, and water scarcity. 

A Welcome to Country kicked off day one of QWater'23 followed by two Keynote presentations by

• Dr Ruth Link, Yalanji Woman and Director at Yilki Guludun Tagai (YGT) Law & Biocultural Knowledge and;
• Cameron Costello, Quandamooka man and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee Member

Sessions were spread across themes over the two day event including:

• • Walking as One;
  • Digital and Technology Future;
  • Our Sustainability Journey;
  • Improving Investment Confidence;
  • Resilient Communities;
  • Project and Program Delivery;
  • Strategic Thinking In Practice;
  • Safety Innovation in Utilities;
  • Workforce Readiness;
  • Safety Innovation in Utilities; and
  • Great Debate 

Following an enjoyable Conference Dinner on day one, Senior Water Leaders opened Day two of QWater'23 with a panel discussion about critical safety risks for the large program of capital works over the next decade. 

Best Paper Award

Congratulations to Sean Askew, Bundaberg Regional Council for taking out the Best Paper Award at QWater'23 last week, for his paper Asset Upliftment Program for the Rising Generation of Treatment Operators & Maintainers.

The Great Debate

QWater’23 held its first Great Debate as the closing session focused on "To Make the Next Decade Matter, the Water Sector Needs a Better Value Proposition", which was well attended and well received. The panel was moderated by Justin Simonis of Promethean Projects and included Margaret Riley, John Holland Group, David Brooker, Urban Utilities, Kimberly James, Logan Water, Brian McIntosh, International WaterCentre, Samantha Guy, Arup and Curtis Luxton, WSP.

It was a great, high energy way to finish the Conference.

Registered delegates can view the Conference Proceedings here.

Thank you to our QWater'23 Sponsors: