This week in water, CSIRO introduces AquaWatch technology to Vietnam’s aquaculture sector, while Indigenous leaders are invited to shape Australia’s water governance. Across the states, Tasmanian Irrigation and Seqwater welcomes new leadership, acoustic leak detection makes waves in Gippsland, and Tabulam takes a step closer to reliable drinking water. Internationally, a report highlights escalating global water disasters, and experts call for integrated solutions to address interconnected crises.
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AquaWatch monitoring launched in Vietnam
CSIRO has launched a demonstration site for AquaWatch Australia in Hai Phong, Vietnam, marking a first for inland aquaculture monitoring in the region. The system uses satellite imagery and in-water sensors to provide near real-time updates to shrimp farmers, helping them mitigate risks like algal blooms and nutrient imbalances.
“This helps farmers anticipate challenges such as algal blooms and nutrient imbalances,” said AquaWatch Lead Dr Alex Held.
“The system picks up on slight changes in water colour, which can signal water quality problems like algal blooms, excess sediment and runoff contamination.
“Vietnam’s aquaculture contributes significantly to the national economy, yet water quality issues can cause catastrophic losses for farmers. AquaWatch aims to bring reliable, timely data to help them make informed decisions to mitigate these risks.”
Advocacy opportunity for Indigenous water rights
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are being encouraged by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to apply for roles with the Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests (CAWI), an independent advisory body advocating for Indigenous water rights, values and interests.
The committee works at both state and federal levels to ensure these perspectives are represented in water reforms and decision-making.
CAWI is seeking applicants from WA, SA, and Victoria with expertise in areas including cultural water rights, policy, governance, advocacy and strategic communications.
Applications are open exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and close on 28 February 2025.
NT ruling clarifies landlord responsibility for safe drinking water
The Northern Territory's Court of Appeal has confirmed that the NT Government is obligated to provide its tenants with safe drinking water, resolving a long-standing uncertainty about legal responsibility.
The ruling follows a case from Laramba, where water contained uranium levels three times the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines’ maximum.
Initially, the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled landlords weren’t responsible for water quality. However, this was overturned by the NT Supreme Court and upheld on appeal. The decision clarifies landlords’ duty to ensure habitable conditions, including safe water supply.
New irrigation leadership in Tasmania
Mike Sylvester has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tasmanian Irrigation, following a nationwide recruitment process. Sylvester, currently the CEO of Blueline, will begin his new role in March 2025.
Tasmanian Irrigation Board Chair Kate Vinot said: “Tasmanian Irrigation has a major program of capital works to deliver over the next five years, consisting of around $900 million of new infrastructure funded by irrigators and the State and Federal Governments”.
“Mike’s track record positions him exceptionally well to oversee a period of growth for the Company. Mike’s strong commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, including irrigators, will be key to achieving the growth, community and sustainability benefits of investment in these major, publicly-owned irrigation schemes.”
Leak detection tech hits regional Victoria
Gippsland Water has launched a large-scale acoustic leak detection program across Baw Baw’s water network to identify and minimise losses. The initiative will also support customers by addressing leaks on their properties where possible.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “Water is a precious resource and we want to make sure we’re doing all we can to conserve it”.
“This is the first time we’ve used this technology on a large scale, and we’re excited to see the results it will bring for our team and our customers. If it’s successful, we hope to use it in other parts of our service area too,” she said.
New leadership for Seqwater Board
Seqwater has announced the appointment of Neville Ide as its new Chairperson. With over 40 years in finance and treasury management, including 12 years at Queensland Treasury Corporation, Ide brings extensive expertise to support Seqwater’s mission and strategy.
The organisation also extends gratitude to outgoing Chair, Hon. Dr Anthony Lynham, for his impactful leadership in advancing water security and overseeing Seqwater’s largest capital infrastructure program to date.
These leadership changes highlight Seqwater’s ongoing commitment to securing water resources for Queensland’s future.
First drinking water network for Tabulam
The remote village of Tabulam in northern NSW is progressing toward its first-ever drinking water supply network, with $400,000 in co-funding from Kyogle Council and the National Water Grid Fund. Early planning work will set the foundation for a three-stage construction project to provide reliable, treated drinking water.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Lisa Hingerty said: “Locals have been crying out for this essential infrastructure for decades. The funding is a significant step towards giving the village access to treated drinking water delivered directly to their homes”.
“I’m pleased to see this critical work progressing to a preliminary business case to bring Tabulam’s water supply network into the 21st century,” she said.
AI boosts groundwater insights in WA
A Griffith University study has developed a machine-learning framework to accurately estimate groundwater recharge in WA’s Gnangara aquifer using satellite data. The research highlights the potential of emerging technologies for sustainable groundwater management in vulnerable systems.
PhD candidate Ikechukwu Kalu said: “These findings underscore the potential of leveraging emerging remote sensing technologies for groundwater monitoring, management, and policymaking, offering tools to safeguard the Perth Basin’s groundwater systems in the face of escalating climate pressures”.
Global water disasters intensify
The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report reveals worsening water disasters, with rising temperatures amplifying extreme rainfall, droughts, and storms. These events caused 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and resulted in over US$550 billion in damages. Temperature records were broken in 34 countries.
Water-related disasters, such as floods, cyclones, and droughts, continue to escalate, highlighting the need for urgent climate action. The report emphasises that "rising temperatures caused by fossil fuel burning are increasing the strength and rainfall intensity of monsoons, cyclones and other storm systems”.
Breaking down silos in climate action
A landmark Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services report warns against siloed efforts to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, water insecurity, and other crises.
Experts argue that isolated approaches risk inefficiencies and unintended consequences. The report calls for integrated solutions to address overlapping planetary challenges.
Professor Paula Harrison, co-chair of the report, said: “They have different institutions and departments working in isolation from one another and this can result in conflicting objectives, inefficiencies, perverse incentives and costs and also unintended consequences”.
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