This week in water, the Productivity Commission marked the one-year anniversary of its review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, with an Indigenous-led review on progress set for later this year. Across Australia, environmental research has confirmed the benefits of Commonwealth water flows in Narran Lakes, while James Cook University is exploring how char from cigarette butts could help clean waterways.
Infrastructure and community initiatives are also in focus, with new funding programs from Hunter Water, South East Water and SA Water, while Yarra Valley Water expands its asset strategy. Internationally, Water Europe has urged greater investment in water resilience, and a Nature Communications study warns of worsening global water scarcity due to climate change.
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Anniversary of the Closing the Gap review
The Productivity Commission has marked the one-year anniversary of its review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, a report that remains widely referenced across government and Indigenous organisations.
The year ahead will be significant, with an Indigenous-led review of the agreement set to take place between February and July, offering a unique opportunity to gather firsthand insights from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the agreement’s progress.
“Our 2024 review found commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap were largely unfulfilled by governments,” the Productivity Commission stated. “However, governments at all levels have now agreed to implement the recommendations and supporting actions.”
The upcoming review will be critical in assessing whether governments have followed through on their commitments on a range of important initiatives and whether further changes are needed to better serve Indigenous communities.
Sequana appoints new environmental strategy leader
Sequana has strengthened its environmental and planning services with the appointment of Deb Neumann as Director - Strategic Environment and Planning.
Sequana CEO Frank Fisseler welcomed the appointment, highlighting Neumann’s strong leadership in environmental planning and deep experience across the utilities sector.
“Deb has built longstanding relationships with key industry leaders and specialises in complex projects. Her expertise aligns with Sequana’s approach of delivering innovative solutions to environmental challenges,” he said.
Environmental water for Narran Lakes
A 20-year study has confirmed that Commonwealth environmental water flows have played a vital role in supporting the resilience of wetland vegetation at Narran Lakes (Dharriwaa) in NSW.
Conducted by Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute, the study provides long-term insights into vegetation patterns in one of Australia’s most significant wetlands.
Lead researcher Dr Rebekah Grieger said: “You can describe vegetation and water as the nerve system of Narran Lakes. We saw food and homes for native animals and good outcomes for this special ecosystem”.
Hunter Water’s Love Water Grants return
Hunter Water’s Love Water Grants program is back for 2025, offering $125,000 in funding to community projects that promote water conservation and sustainability.
Managing Director Darren Cleary said: “This year’s program offers grants of up to $10,000 for projects that align with our shared love of water. It’s an opportunity for the community to contribute to water sustainability and create positive environmental outcomes,” he said.
Gippsland Water welcomes First Nations perspectives to its board
Gippsland Water has appointed Glenn Pellegrin as an Independent Aboriginal Delegate to its Board and Laurie Marks as an Independent Aboriginal Delegate for a Board Committee.
Proud Ngarrindjeri/Narungga man, Pellegrin said: “The Board Delegate position is an opportunity for me to follow in the footsteps of Elders who care for all Mob, help address systemic issues and achieve positive outcomes".
“My previous experience has included multiple roles at Melbourne University, Aboriginal Housing Victoria and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. I look forward to working alongside the Gippsland Water Board, and continuing to draw on my strategic mindset, passion, and experience,” he said.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “Glenn’s insights will broaden our understanding of the priorities of First Nations people and help reflect those in our projects and initiatives".
Cigarette butts could help clean waterways
A James Cook University study has found that char made from cigarette butts could help remove heavy metal contaminants from Australia’s waterways.
Lead researcher Dr Elsa Antunes said: “Heavy metals are still a problem in our waterways and the consequences of heavy metals for humans and other living organisms are also very high".
“At the moment, you can use activated carbon, which is produced from coal, to remove heavy metal from our waterways, which is not an environmentally friendly product.
“But if we can create this circular economy where we can collect these cigarette butts, transform them into char and then use that to mitigate pollution, then that is much more sustainable.”
CSIRO launches R&D program for Queensland businesses
CSIRO has opened applications for its ‘Innovate to Grow: Queensland’ program, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop research and development (R&D) projects.
The free eight-week program, part of the Queensland Government’s Regional University Industry Collaboration initiative, helps businesses collaborate with regional universities to turn ideas into research-ready projects.
Program Facilitator Dr Brendan Kidd said: “CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow bridges that gap by teaching businesses how to speak the language of R&D, identify the right research partners, and structure their projects in ways that attract both research interest and potential funding opportunities".
South East Water opens community grants program
South East Water has launched its 2025 Community Grants program, offering grants of up to $10,000 to local groups.
Managing Director Lara Olsen said: “If your community group is within our service area and needs support for a project, I encourage you to apply now for a 2025 Community Grant”.
SA Water’s community partnerships program opens
SA Water is inviting applications for its Community Partnerships Program 2025-26, which offers up to $10,000 for community-driven sustainability projects across South Australia.
Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the program has a proven track record of delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
“We are proud to support grassroots community groups that are improving sustainability and the environment,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water expands infrastructure strategy
To meet growing population demands and climate change challenges, Yarra Valley Water has created a new Asset Services Group to strengthen its water and sewerage network.
General Manager Bridie Fennessy said the team will take a holistic approach to infrastructure management.
“The outcome-focused team is responding to Melbourne’s rapid growth with an expanded and increasingly climate-resilient water supply and sewerage network,” she said.
Elmhurst’s new water treatment plant goes off-grid
Residents of Elmhurst, Victoria, are now receiving treated drinking water directly from the tap for the first time, thanks to a new off-grid water treatment facility.
Operated by GWMWater, the $3 million plant is powered entirely by solar energy, making it cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Ricardo to lead LMW Rural Masterplan development
Lower Murray Water (LMW) has announced the appointment of global consulting firm Ricardo to lead the development of its Rural Masterplan 2050.
LMW Managing Director Paul Northey said: “I am very pleased to confirm the appointment of Ricardo to collaborate with LMW and guide the strategic direction of our rural and irrigation services for the next 25 years".
“With extensive experience in water policy, water markets, utilities and infrastructure, we are confident in the expertise of Ricardo’s team to bring innovative insights and solutions to address the long-term needs and aspirations of our rural customers.”
Unitywater introduces digital monitoring for trade waste
Unitywater is rolling out digital data loggers for trade waste customers, improving monitoring of wastewater discharge and protecting the sewer network from harmful substances.
Executive Manager Customer Experience Katherine Gee said: “Existing meters measure the volume of waste discharged but these digital loggers will also enable us to monitor when our customers are discharging to our wastewater network".
“It’s an important action to protect our network and the wastewater treatment process, to ensure what we treat remains safe for public health and the environment,” she said.
Orange explores purified recycled water treatment
Orange residents are a step closer to a new purified recycled water treatment demonstration plant, with a preliminary business case now underway to assess its feasibility.
The project is backed by a $400,000 partnership between the Federal and State Governments and Orange City Council, aiming to explore how cutting-edge water technology could enhance long-term water security in the Central West.
A spokesperson said: "Through a joint effort between the federal and state governments and Orange City Council, we’re working to bring cutting-edge water technology to the region. The proposed purified recycled water treatment plant will not only help secure a sustainable water supply for industrial use but also serve as a vital demonstration of how this technology can support the region’s long-term water needs”.
Water Europe calls for urgent investment in EU water resilience
Water Europe has released a new position paper urging urgent investment to support the EU Water Resilience Strategy.
The paper identifies 10 key recommendations to overcome governance challenges and highlights the potential of water-smart technologies to save €3 billion annually.
Water Scarcity challenges in a warming world
A study published in Nature Communications has highlighted the growing mismatch between water supply and demand due to climate change.
Researcher Lorenzo Rosa of Carnegie Science noted: “Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity this century. About 4 billion people reside and about half the world’s irrigated agriculture is in regions that experience water scarcity for at least one month each year”.
“Water gaps are already an issue for communities around the world, resulting in either inadequate supplies of water or environmental degradation,” Rosa explained. “And as climate change further disrupts precipitation patterns and alters the water cycle, it will add even more stress,” she said.
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