This week in water, Australia makes strides toward a circular economy, Perth secures $40 million for water main upgrades, and Tasmania gears up for the Best Tasting Tap Water competition. Hunter Water pushes forward with leak detection technologies, while CSIRO established a research hub to help tackle plastic waste through innovation.
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The Federal Government has tasked the Productivity Commission to lead an inquiry into boosting circularity across Australian industries. This effort focuses on reducing waste, improving the use of materials and fostering recycling innovation.
Minister for Water Tanya Plibersek said Australia currently has one of the highest material footprints per capita, generating nearly three tonnes of waste per person annually: “This transition is better for the environment and the economy, as every job in landfill can create three in recycling”.
The Bioplastics Innovation Hub, an $8 million collaboration between CSIRO and Murdoch University, aims to revolutionise plastic packaging with 100% compostable bio-derived materials.
CSIRO Research Program Director Dr. Andy Whiteley said the hub brings together experts across fields such as microbiology, synthetic biology and circular economy to turn research into real-world applications: “Our primary focus is the development of 100% compostable bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps, and wrappers".
The WA Government has announced a $40.4 million investment to upgrade water mains across Perth, improving water supply reliability for thousands of households. The two-year project, funded through the 2024-25 State Budget, will span five local government areas: City of Stirling, Joondalup, Belmont, Nedlands and Bayswater.
Water Minister Simone McGurk said: “Nobody wants the inconvenience of a burst pipe affecting their water supply, so this $40 million investment is part of a long-term program to enhance the reliability of Perth's water network and save valuable water”.
Hunter Water has reduced leaks by 27% across its 5000-kilometre network. The utility is rolling out digital meters and flow meters with wireless communication to detect leaks in real-time, helping to prevent water loss and improve customer insights on water consumption.
Managing Director Darren Cleary said: “Finding and fixing hidden leaks and predicting water main breaks can be a challenge across our broad and complex network, but our investment in new technology is helping us work more efficiently”.
“This aligns with our strategic objectives and our commitment to community engagement.”
Melbourne’s Retail Water Agencies have completed a major upgrade to their water industry standards products and materials portal.
In operation since 2012, the portal is a one-stop resource for contractors, consultants and developers to access sewer and water network infrastructure design standards, approved engineering products and safety documentation.
South East Water Acting General Manager of Liveable Water Solutions Matt Snell said: “The enhancements we’ve made over the last 12 months improve product selection and consistency across the water industry, meeting the evolving needs of our sector”.
Tasmania is hosting the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Competition in Devonport on 24 September. The event showcases the state’s exceptional drinking water quality and the skills of water operators.
TasWater General Manager of Operations Brendan Windmeyer encouraged the community to participate: “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the people who supply Tasmania with safe and reliable drinking water”.
Residents and visitors to the Hawkesbury-Nepean River region are being invited to share their thoughts on the river’s long-term management.
As part of the Hawkesbury Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (HNRS CMP), six councils are working together to improve waterway health, increase hazard resilience, and protect the social and cultural values of the river.
Hornsby Shire Council General Manager Steven Head said there is a need for broad community input: “The Hawkesbury River means something different to everyone, so it’s important as many people as possible come forward with feedback to help shape its future”.
Unitywater is exploring how AI can enhance water testing in the Pine Rivers catchment. As part of the GovHack competition at the University of the Sunshine Coast, participants were challenged to use 10 years of water quality data to develop AI-driven solutions for better environmental management.
Unitywater Acting CFO Katherine Gee highlighted the potential of AI to refine water testing processes: “We’re excited to see what innovative ideas emerge and how they can improve our operations”.
Unitywater has set a new benchmark in workplace gender equality, achieving a 0.55% swing beyond closing the gender pay gap for women, with the utility ranked number one for pay equity by Work180.
Unitywater Executive Manager for People Culture and Safety Kenan Hibberd said: “We are very proud we no longer have a gender pay gap for women at Unitywater and have pay equity in like-for-like roles".
“It’s also encouraging to have high numbers of women in senior leadership and people management roles at 42% and 44% respectively," he said.
On 13 September 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Retno L.P. Marsudi, the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, as the first Special Envoy on Water.
Marsudi will lead international water initiatives and play a central role in global water processes leading up to the 2026 UN Water Conference, including leading global collaboration in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which calls for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
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