NSW State Conference 2024: Regional Focus
by Ashley A. Webb
The AWA NSW State Conference 2024, held in Albury, was a pivotal event for the water sector with a focus on regional areas. The conference brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry professionals, government officials, community leaders and researchers to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities facing regional water management.
Key themes and outcomes
The conference focused on several key themes, including:
Water Security and Resilience: Given the increasing frequency and severity of droughts and floods in regional NSW, discussions centred on strategies to enhance water security and build resilience to climate change.
Sustainable Agriculture: The conference explored ways to promote sustainable agricultural practices that reduce water consumption, protect water quality and improve soil health.
Infrastructure Investment: The need for investment in water infrastructure, including dams, pipelines and treatment plants, was a major topic of discussion.
Community Engagement: The conference emphasised the importance of involving communities in water management decisions and planning processes.
Digital Innovation: The role of technology and digital innovation in water management was highlighted, with discussions on data analytics, artificial intelligence and remote sensing.
Notable presentations and discussions
The conference featured a diverse range of presentations and discussions, including:
Keynote Addresses: Jacqui Hickey, Executive Director River Management at the Murray Darling Basin Authority, and Jeremy Morton, Chair of the National Irrigators Council, delivered keynote speeches that set the tone for the conference. They each highlighted the importance of sharing valuable water resources by finding a balance that considers economic, social and environmental outcomes.
Technical Sessions: The conference featured a variety of technical sessions on topics such as water reuse, environmental flows and workforce development.
Panel Discussions: Interactive panel discussions provided opportunities for participants to share their perspectives and engage in open dialogue.
Case Studies: Several case studies were presented to illustrate successful water management initiatives in the regions.
Key takeaways and future directions
The AWA NSW State Conference 2024 provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing regional water management in New South Wales. Some of the key takeaways from the event include:
- The need for a more integrated and collaborative approach to water management.
- The importance of investing in infrastructure and technology to improve water security and resilience.
- The potential of sustainable agriculture to reduce water consumption and protect water quality.
- The need for increased community engagement in water management decisions.
- The role of digital innovation in improving water management efficiency and effectiveness.
The conference also highlighted the need for continued research and development to address the evolving challenges facing the water sector. As climate change continues to impact regional areas, it is essential to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure the long-term viability of water resources in New South Wales.
Overall, the AWA NSW State Conference 2024 was a successful event that provided a valuable platform for discussion, collaboration and knowledge sharing. The conference contributed to building a more sustainable and resilient water future for regional NSW.
