Water innovation recognised in nation's capital
The winners of the Australian Water Association's ACT Water Awards have been announced at the Water Leaders Dinner on Thursday, 18 February at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
The ACT Water Awards recognise the contribution of the Association's members for their inspiring leadership and innovative research, programs and infrastructure projects.
“The Australian Water Awards have been running for over 20 years to recognise the work our members do for their communities, the economy and the industry,” Australian Water Association Chief Executive, Corinne Cheeseman said.
“The finalists and winners of the ACT Water Awards are testament to the outstanding work that our members are doing to provide essential services to the community, and I would like to congratulate them all for their dedication and hard work.”
The winners will go on to represent the ACT in the national Australian Water Awards, which will be presented at the Association’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’21 in Adelaide on 4-6 May 2021.
Winners:
R&D Excellence Award
Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment - CSIRO and collaborators
The Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment undertook the most extensive interdisciplinary study of the potential for agricultural development in northern Australia, providing a new standard in modelling of water and agriculture resources at scale, supported by intensive data analysis. The wealth of new publicly available information will help support industry, governments and communities make decisions about water and agricultural development in northern Australia.
High Commendation: The Cracker Jack - Icon Water
Organisational Excellence Award
Enhancing Resource Recovery - Icon Water
The Enhancing Resource Recovery initiative seeks to view the water industry through a new lens. One that promotes a utility that transforms ‘waste’ into resources. Through a number of successful initiatives, this program is demonstrating the multiple benefits of generating resources, not waste, buying recycled, and collaborating with likeminded and motivated organisations.
Student Water Prize
Storm Water Channels in a Water Sensitive World - Kate Harriden, The Australian National University
As an advocate of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, Kate's current PhD storm water research continues this approach by drawing from the sciences and social sciences, and including laypeople in the design, installation and maintenance of in-channel infrastructure. As an Indigenous Australian, she is actively engaged in incorporating Indigenous water knowledge in contemporary urban water management.
Young Water Professional of the Year Award (sponsored by Xylem)
Dr Joel Edwards, Sustainability and Resource Recovery Coordinator, Icon Water
Coming from a rural community Joel is passionate about the need to protect, respect, learn from and employ the natural environment. Joel has an irrefutable enthusiasm for sustainable development and aspires to become an expert in the water and wastewater sector. His knowledge in, and passion for research and environmental engineering helps further sustainability principles and bring to the fore the need to manage ‘waste’ as a resource to drive change from a linear to circular economy.
High Commendation: Sabrina Moir, Modelling Engineer, Icon Water
The Association wishes to congratulate all the award finalists and winners and thank our generous sponsors for their support of these important industry awards.