Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
This week in water, CSIRO appoints a new Board Chair, while new research highlights the challenges facing aquatic species in the Murray–Darling Basin due to climate change.
Across the states and territories, Sydney Water is launching a circular economy zone, a cultural values assessment is shaping the future of Gippsland’s creeks, and a new trial aims to reconnect native fish in the Lower Darling-Baaka River. Internationally, scientists have developed an innovative system to extract clean drinking water from the air.
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National
CSIRO appoints new Board Chair
Kathryn Fagg AO has stepped down as Chair of the CSIRO Board, with Ming Long AM announced as her successor.
Long has served as Deputy Chair since May 2024 and brings extensive governance experience across financial services, infrastructure and sustainability. Vanessa Sullivan has also been appointed to the Board, bringing 20 years of expertise in water, energy and hydrogen industry development.
Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, thanked Fagg for her leadership and welcomed the new appointments.
Closing the Gap dashboard data update
New data has been added to the Closing the Gap dashboard, providing the latest insights on the targets and indicators in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The update includes data for eight targets and 15 supporting indicators. Four targets are currently on track, six are improving but not yet on track, four are worsening, and another four cannot be assessed at this stage.
The Closing the Gap Information Repository provides reporting on progress across the Priority Reforms and socioeconomic outcomes outlined in the Agreement, including access to reliable and safe drinking water. The next dashboard update and release of the Annual Data Compilation Report is scheduled for July.
Research reveals climate impact on Murray–Darling Basin species
New research has investigated how rising temperatures and decreasing water availability in the Murray–Darling Basin will affect aquatic species.
Scientists examined the current distribution of 32 fish species, 123 aquatic invertebrates and 419 riparian plants, then modelled future habitat availability under varying climate scenarios.
The results indicate that invasive species such as carp and mosquitofish may expand, while native species, including Murray cod and Australian rainbowfish, could face habitat loss. This research provides critical insight for water management planning to support biodiversity in the Basin.
States and territories
South East Water named among top workplaces for women
South East Water has been named one of Work180’s 101 top workplaces for women in 2025, marking the third consecutive year it has received the recognition.
Managing Director Lara Olsen said: “Around 48% of our employees are women and we’re truly focused on supporting the careers, health and wellbeing at South East Water – through ensuring inclusion and equality, adequate recognition and reward and the representation of women at senior levels and empowerment through our programs and policies.
“We’re committed to making South East Water a safe and great place to work where differences are welcomed, and all ideas and viewpoints are valued.”
Barwon Water launches Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say
Barwon Water has launched Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say, a community engagement program to shape long-term water supply solutions for Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher, encouraged residents to participate through surveys and community pop-ups to help ensure future water security.
“The feedback will help us address key values that the community shares, and plan for long-term water security, affordability, climate resilience and a healthy environment,” he said.
Cultural assessment highlights path to healthier creeks
Gippsland Water and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) are collaborating to enhance the health of a Drouin creek following the completion of a new cultural values assessment.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “This is another wonderful piece of work stemming from our growing relationship with BLCAC.
“We’re actively working to enhance biodiversity and integrate traditional knowledge into our environmental management practices and are pleased to have BLCAC guide us in the right direction.”
Heritage-listed Barwon River aqueduct faces removal
After extensive investigations, Barwon Water has lodged a new permit application to dismantle the 110-year-old Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct.
Managing Director Shaun Cumming said: “We have explored all avenues, with a range of experts. Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct, with any option for propping unable to prevent the eventual failing of the structure”.
“Community and worker safety is our top priority, and this new way forward removes many ongoing risks that the deteriorating structure poses to the public,” he said.
Strauss Water Treatment Plant Stage 2 progresses
Jacobs has been awarded the concept design contract for Stage 2 of the Strauss Water Treatment Plant, a key component of the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project.
Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services Stephen Vlahovic said: “This is a significant step towards delivering innovative water treatment solutions and water security for the Northern Territory”.
“Power and Water will continue to collaborate with the Northern Territory and Australian Governments to secure a safe and reliable water supply, which will support our community and underpin population and economic growth in our region while safeguarding resources for future generations,” he said.
NSW trials Fishheart technology to support native fish migration
The NSW Government is trialling Fishheart, a temporary fish passage system in the Lower Darling-Baaka River near Menindee.
NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said: “It’s fantastic to see the fish passage being trialled in Menindee which is one of the innovative infrastructure solutions proposed to prevent future fish deaths”.
“We pledged to take decisive action on water quality in the Darling-Baaka to improve fish health and we are delivering on this promise,” she said.
NSW releases Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program update
The NSW Government has released its first six-monthly update on the Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program, which was established in response to the 2023 mass fish deaths in Menindee.
Key initiatives include: new emergency management arrangements for fish kill events, development of a hydrodynamic model to prevent future fish deaths, enhanced water quality monitoring systems, and trials of temporary fish passage technology.
The government has committed to implementing these projects over the next four years.
Sydney Water launches circular economy precinct
Sydney Water has opened expressions of interest for businesses to lease land at Australia’s first Circular Economy Zone (CEZ) in Western Sydney.
Sydney Water Executive General Manager Water & Environment Services Paul Plowman said: “This project demonstrates how we can embrace sustainable solutions at Sydney Water as we work towards our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030”.
“We want to create a benchmark for a thriving circular economy ecosystem through industry-leading water and resource recycling technology,” he said.
NiCE Loo turns human waste into fertiliser
Researchers at the ARC Nutrients in a Circular Economy (NiCE) Hub have developed the NiCE Loo Lab, a mobile public toilet system that converts urine into a safe and valuable fertiliser.
UTS Professor Ho Kyong Shon said: “The integration of membrane bioreactors into urine treatment processes represents a significant advancement in producing safe, efficient, and sustainable fertilisers”.
“The NiCE Loo Lab mobile toilet system offers a cost-effective solution while also enhancing public confidence in this sustainable sanitation approach,” he said.
International
Scientists extract clean water from the air using natural materials
Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin have developed a system that converts food scraps, seashells, and plant matter into materials that can pull drinkable water from the atmosphere.
Professor Guihua Yu said: “This opens up an entirely new way to think about sustainable water collection, marking a big step towards practical water harvesting systems for households and small communities”.
AI-powered tool improves water contamination detection
A new AI-driven tool developed by Utah State University is set to improve how contamination is detected upstream of municipal water sources.
Lead researcher John Kemper said: “This new predictive technology can make a major difference to the efficiency and safety of these systems across the U.S.”
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