With a rapidly changing climate, combined with a potential El-Nino climate cycle, regional towns and cities shall be challenged once more with water security and quality. How will the sector ensure safe water if there is none? Do we prioritise Quantity or Quality, or both?
The Australian Water Association (AWA) NSW Branch held its annual Minister’s Breakfast - Quality and Quantity - A Regional Story on 4 October 2023. It was an insightful morning of networking with key influential figures in the NSW Water industry over a lovely breakfast hosted by Arup in Sydney.
With NSW, and particularly regional NSW, being severely impacted during the last intense 2018-2019 drought. The breakfast focused on what we learned from this, and whether we would we be sufficiently prepared for the next drought.
With special guest speaker Hon. Rose Jackson, the Minister of Water, who highlighted the key issues and reflected on her experience in the water industry and reiterated how important it is to act now, and not wait until the next drought to act.
Dr Annalisa Contos – Principal, Atom Consulting addressed Water Quality in Regional cities and towns and who shared her 20 years’ experience specialising in the management of chemical and microbial risks in drinking and recycled water.
Cr Craig Davies, Mayor, Narromine Shire Council addressed Water security in regional NSW cities and towns and having a background in agriculture and is a passionate advocate for Narromine Shire and rural and regional communities highlighted just how important it is to be investing in infrastructure.
Thank you to our speakers, guests, and to our generous supporters: ARUP, Sydney Water and Pacific Bio who made this such a successful and inspiring morning. We are already looking forward to hosting this invaluable event again next year and bringing our water community together in this relaxed, yet informative setting. Stay tuned for more details on our 2024 event.
by Kristy Bunting
