1 Apr, 2025
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1:30pm – 3.00pm AEST
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Online via Zoom
Water is at the heart of our communities, economies, and ecosystems, yet its value is often underestimated. From securing water supplies in a changing climate to ensuring equitable access and sustainable management, understanding the true value of water is more critical than ever.
Join us for this engaging webinar, where a diverse panel of speakers will explore the many dimensions of water’s value. The session will delve into the ways water shapes our society, how we measure and appreciate its worth, and what needs to be done to strengthen recognition of its importance across industries, governments, and the public.
Expect thought-provoking discussions, fresh perspectives, and real-world insights on how we can collectively enhance the way we understand, manage, and safeguard water for the future.
This webinar is exclusively for AWA members. For any questions, please contact Natasha Sharrock.
Speakers
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Michael O’Neill - Director of Policy and Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy Australia
Michael is leading conservation policy initiatives and advocating for public investment in nature. With over 20 years of experience, he has held pivotal roles in government, consulting, and the non-profit sector. Previously, he was a Senior Manager at the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, shaping urban water policy. As a Senior Consultant at Arup, he contributed to innovative water projects like the MCG sewer mining project. Michael is also a board member of the Environmental Water Trust, overseeing donations from the Murray Darling Basin Balanced Water Fund. |
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Matthew Edgerton - Senior economist in Frontier Economics’ water and urban economics area
Matthew joined Frontier Economics from the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) where, as an Executive Director, he led IPART’s economic regulation of the NSW water sector from 2013 to 2021 – which involved, amongst other responsibilities, overseeing IPART’s determinations of water prices. Matthew has since advised government departments and utilities across Australia on a range of issues related to the water sector, including regulation, investment evaluation, cost recovery and pricing. Matthew has more than 20-years’ experience in applying economics to public policy and regulation. He holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Environmental Studies
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Andrew Leahy - Chairman of the Victorian Farmers Federation Water Council With extensive experience in water management, Andrew has been a member of the Victorian Farmers Federation Water Council since 2008 and its Chairman since 2018. He also serves on the National Farmers Federation Water Taskforce and the Torrumbarry Water Services Committee. His roles include appointments to various Victorian Water Department committees, focusing on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and water advocacy for the dairy industry. Additionally, he is actively involved in the community as President of UDV District Council 1, Chairman of Murrabit Trading Cooperative Store, and a former officer in the Gannawarra Fire Brigade |
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Caitlin Dunolly Lee - Gatjin (Water) Policy Manager at Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises |
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Dr Sarina Loo - Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Environmental Water Holder Dr. Sarina Loo has over 10 years of experience as a senior public servant at DEECA in Victoria. Her expertise includes environmental water management, policy development, investment, and governance. Sarina has lectured on sustainability at Swinburne University and consulted for government and private businesses. She is actively involved with the Peter Cullen Trust, having established the National Fellows Network and the Women in Water Leadership Program. Sarina holds a PhD in freshwater ecology and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Event Details
| Date | Tuesday, 1 April 2025 |
| Time | 1.30pm - 3.00pm AEST |
| Venue | Webinar - Online |
| Registration |
This webinar is free for AWA members. Please register to receive the zoom link.
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IWA Australia (IWAA) is a branch committee of AWA and aims to connect the Australian water industry with the activities of the International Water Association (IWA). IWA is a non-profit organisation and knowledge hub for the global water sector that seeks to connect water professionals worldwide to find solutions to the world's water challenges.
For more information please contact:
Natasha Sharrock - Member Engagement Manager
Phone: +61 2 9467 8423 | Email: nsharrock@awa.asn.au
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