1. From the Chief Executive Officer
GIVING VOICE TO WATER AND ENVIRONMENT LEADERS IN 2023
This issue of Bridging has a focus on land and water. Many contributions from Fellows and Friends inform the reading in this issue, but the key contribution is a tour de force from the Fellows Network, which has enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to contribute to the national water reform (NWR) conversation through our NWR Challenge. Early reflections from the Challenge workshop on 31 January follow in this edition of Bridging.
A huge thank you to the dozen Fellows who formed the NWR Organising Committee, and the fifty who contributed, and particularly to Dr Kath Broderick (2014) who enriched this experience through her leadership, and guided, coached and facilitated us so generously. A special thank you to Lesley Ryall, for bringing together the Fellows Network to discuss the NWR priorities, and further preparation for the roundtable.
Your voice needs to be heard in critical conversations, not only in the NWR challenge, but more broadly. As we saw from the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (COP 27), water was not prominent in the high level discussions, only spoken about in the communique in terms of adaptation. But there is so much more to the challenge and opportunity in addressing water, the aquatic environment, and their catchments. To that end, the Trust will focus our next national conversation on reflections from COP 27. Stay tuned for an announcement shortly on the details.
Australia’s post-COP15 adoption of a domestic target to protect 30 per cent of our land and 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030 is another critical topic for Friends and Fellows of the Trust, and will be our Bridging focus for our next, April edition.
Before I close, a note in celebration of leadership.
Whilst noting the conflict that the day itself raises, I was nevertheless delighted that two incredible leaders, Tom Mollenkopf AO and the late Chris Davis AM, were recognised in the recent Australia Day Awards. There is a story on both Tom and Chris and their impact elsewhere in Bridging. The recognition is well deserved, and has been celebrated not only in Australia, but internationally.
However, there were very few awards for contributions from leaders working in water and the environment (I believe Tom and Chris were the only two recognised predominantly for their work in water). Yet there are so many people working in the science, policy and practice of water and the environment who also deserve recognition. The challenge is yours. Put forward nominations for the leaders you admire. Transformative leaders that have inspired you. Leaders that we can celebrate, and who will use the award to shine a light on critical conversations on water.
We hope you are inspired and enjoy the read in the first Bridging for 2023.
2. In This Issue: Land and Water
2023 NATIONAL WATER REFORM (NWR) CHALLENGE
The NWR Challenge was posed by Leith Boully at the November 2022 Graduation Event. The day prior, at the 2022 Peter Cullen Lecture, Rachel Connell, Head of Division, Water Reform Taskforce, with the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Deputy Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Officials Committee issued an invitation for PCT to have input to the conversation on national water reform.
At DCCEEW’s subsequent invitation, we accepted the concept of a roundtable in Canberra in March-April for Fellows and departmental representatives, in the Chatham House Rule spirit of fearless advice in a safe environment. And in response, we set out to give voice to our entire Fellows Network.
The response from Fellows has been extraordinary. A 12-person NWR Organising Committee, convened over the Christmas/New Year period, identified six key priority areas: Trusted Science; Better Groundwater Management; First Nations Peoples’ Rights; Safe and Secure Water; Regional, Local Economies and Consumptive Use; Water Accounting, Planning and Allocation. Registrations were invited with over 70 Fellows putting their names down, and over 50 exploring these themes at a National Workshop of Fellows on 31 January.
The rich and diverse conversations are being summarised, first to be shared back to the Fellows Network and ultimately as input to the roundtable. The National Workshop highlighted the incredible depth and breadth of the Fellows Network, and the value in national conversations. Many Fellows reached out to continue thematic conversations amongst their peers.
The Workshop also identified integrated themes including actively planning for the impact of climate change; a future with less, or more, water; the need to look at a system level approach; and the broader systems implications. In parallel, other overarching themes included Indigenous knowledge, engagement and participation; water literacy and the impact of under investment in science capacity; and access to drinking water for regional and remote communities.
Thank you to the NWR Organising Committee. Stay tuned for updates on the Challenge.
WATER BANKING FOR DROUGHT RESILIENCE
By Declan Page (2014)
PCT Fellow, Declan Page, was recently accepted into the Churchill Trust Policy Impact Program to investigate the policy barriers to adoption of water banking in the Murray Darling Basin.
Despite the heavy rains in many parts of Australia recently, another drought is just around the corner. Water banking is a tool that could improve Australia’s drought preparedness and resilience for the future. But there are some easily addressed policy barriers that need to be overcome using pioneering demonstration schemes prior to wider adoption.
Key Policy Recommendations
Water security is a critical challenge for Australia, driving policy reform and innovation for new tools such as water banking. It is recommended that state governments undertake a three-stage process towards a unified national water banking system:
1. Carry-over and transfers between surface water flows and groundwater storage
Develop policy to allow the carryover of unused surface water allocations via water banking with secure title to recover the water under clearly specified rules and conditions. Develop a transparent accounting system that extends from current practice to verify banking operations.
2. Establish demonstration water banks
Allocate funding to validate several water banking sites and undertake preliminary field investigations. For promising sites, form alliances with local water entitlement holders, state government and the community. Build the recharge infrastructure to establish pioneering water banking demonstration sites and operate allowing sufficient time for recharge and recovery to occur, document the costs, address risks, and prove that no adverse third-party impacts occur.
3. Scale up
Using the demonstration water banking sites, report on the hydrologic and economic effectiveness, risks, and any impacts. Use these learnings to develop additional models to invest in water banking infrastructure and scale up across other jurisdictions.
Dr Declan Page is a Principal Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Adelaide, Australia. Declan’s major research interests are in the water quality management with a particular focus on the science to underpin managed aquifer recharge or water banking.
25TH INTERNATIONAL RIVERSYMPOSIUM
From Andrew O’Neill (2017)
PCT Fellow Andrew O’Neill was one of over 400 delegates who attended the 25th International Riversymposium in Vienna in November 2022. In this report, Andrew provides an overview of the three key themes and the insights that he took away from the meeting, particularly the call to action; how to mobilise finance for the environment; and innovative mechanisms for collaboration, across cultures and generations.
In November 2022, the 25th International Riversymposium was held in the culturally-rich and incredibly beautiful city of Vienna. This is only the second time the conference has been held outside Australia, and the first time in Europe.
The conference proceeded despite another European COVID wave, perhaps showing people’s need to see each other in person. Over 400 delegates attended the meeting from 55 countries, representing river basins as diverse and far-ranging as the Great Lakes and St Lawrence, Danube, Mekong, Ganges, Yangtze, and Orange Senqu, as well as the Murray Darling, Tweed, the rivers ofSouth East Queensland and other rivers around the world.
The meeting was well represented by important global institutions including the World Bank Group, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), UN Environment Program (UNEP), UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as a number of national governments and key international NGO’s such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Global Water Partnership (GWP).
At the gala dinner at the fabulous Palais Ferstel, the European riverprize winner was announced. The passionate and dedicated team behind restoration of the Rivers of Cumbria and the Lake District National Park was recognised for their incredible restoration work in the Lake District, United Kingdom. I noticed that the strong flavour of this work was grass roots engagement and action and also the longevity of efforts over several decades – a very worthy winner.
Rather than give a thorough summary of all of the sessions and meetings I thought I’d give a flavour of the three key themes and insights that I experienced at this meeting.
1. Firstly the 25th Riversymposium was a ‘call to action’. From the very first keynote, Stuart Orr Freshwater Manager, WWF, asked participants to challenge the global 30:30 goals, so that freshwater systems are included in global targets (something that was actually achieved at COP15 in Montreal just a few weeks later). Stuart asked us to step up and speak for rivers which are undervalued and the lifeblood of our societies.
It was in this theme that I gave my presentation: “Don’t look down: the environment in SEQ is failing and nobody cares!” I shared with the audience the story of the rivers and environment in SEQ: that it’s valued and valuable, that we have a lot of data showing us that it is in decline. We have a legion of people and resources but it appears to me that as a system, we are apathetic and there is too little, and piecemeal, investment. I shared some ideas and thoughts linking to the Olympic and Paralympic Games which are coming to Brisbane in 2032 – a tremendous risk for our leaders (given a green games has been promised), but equally an opportunity for us to coalesce and bring home some major improvements.
2. Following from this the second strong theme for the conference was a focus on market-based or financial mechanisms to restore waterway projects. This is widely seen as a way to overcome the lack of investment into our environment.
Across various presentations and workshops, we learned about organisations that are working at a global scale to mobilise finance for the environment. Discussions and presentations on technical tools and mechanisms, also risks and opportunities, and I was invited to attend a corporate lunch held with representatives from corporates, governments and NGO’s from around the world. We had a frank and open conversation on The Role of Business in Fast Tracking Environmental Markets to Achieve River Resilience. We talked about carbon, water quality, plastic reduction and biodiversity and we are staying in touch post this event to keep the conversations going.
I also played a role co-facilitating a workshop with Paul Chatterton from the Landscape Finance Laboratory and Bill Dennison from the University of Maryland. We proposed the idea of Creating an Environmental Market in South East Queensland, Australia. The Nature Conservancy and other groups were also proactively talking about markets-based mechanisms – this is certainly something to keep a close eye on, and spoiler alert… we’re planning a PCT fellows’ professional development day in Brisbane in November on the subject!
3. Thirdly and finally, the Riversymposium is a very special place for making connections across cultures and generations. This is something that this meeting works very hard on not only continuing and developing relationships but also creating innovative mechanisms for collaboration.
Something that I haven’t seen before that I think worked really well: Crossgen. This initiative creates a platform for different generations to share experiences and knowledge. It comes from the recognition that no generation can make this happen alone, and that the differences will help make it possible – something that I think would resonate with PCT fellows!
Following his keynote address, I had the privilege of spending time talking with Henry Lickers, International Joint Commissioner (for the Great Lakes and St Lawrence as these border the USA and Canada) and Haudenosaunee man of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan who lives by the mighty St Lawrence river in Canada. I found his presentation “River People are Special People” engaging, positive and inspiring and as I have previously lived in both Canada and the U.S. and worked on issues of Great Lakes also with First Nations, I was keen to spend some time with him. I learned a lot in the time we spoke and although there is a lot that I could share, I have picked out one insight about the intersection between “western science” and traditional knowledge which completely shifted my thinking.
I asked him how he reconciles the two worlds of so-called ‘western science’ and ancient knowledge, and the huge and potentially conflicting roles as both an experienced and well-respected scientist and a formal representative of First Nations Canadians in the IJC. What Henry told me helped me to see that what more modern methods in science gives us is important, but it’s just numbers and facts across the page. These data help us to explain the world in minute detail, however in our roles as scientists we don’t have drums or music. If we consider that one of the many ways that indigenous knowledge contributes to river management is that it provides the drums and the music so that the data can dance.
It’s something that I’ve found at each and every Riversymposium that I’ve attended (and it’s quite a few now), that you leave feeling part of an international family of river managers, advocates and professionals, joined by a common desire of telling better stories to communicate the importance, making better decisions with evidence, and as Leith Boully told us in her address to PCT fellows and friends in November, to overcome fear, apathy, and a lack of investment.
It was truly a privilege to attend and contribute to such a special conference again, and extra fortunate to have attended in such a beautiful location.
WATERING OF WETLANDS ON INDIGENOUS COUNTRY IN THE MURRAY-DARLING BASIN
From Jamie Pittock, Friend of the Trust
In this paper, we map the location of environmental water delivered by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO) against different jurisdictions of Indigenous nations in the Basin. CEWO is, of course, required by law to deliver water to meet environmental priorities informed by western science, and has limited capacity to deliver water in many valleys.
The research shows that the floodplain country of many Indigenous nations is receiving little or no environmental water. This research makes the point that if there is to be justice for each of the Indigenous nations – who currently control less than 0.2% of issued water entitlements in the Basin – then water additional to that managed by the CEWO will need to be acquired to meet cultural needs.
THE DAMMED AND THE SAVED: A CONSERVATION TRIAGE FRAMEWORK FOR WETLANDS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE MURRAY-DARLING BASIN
From Jamie Pittock, Friend of the Trust
In this conservation triage paper, we ask how should societies and managers chose which wetland ecosystems in the Murray-Darling Basin to write off given high ongoing levels of water extraction and declining river inflows with a changing climate?
In many cases, managers are formally (VIC) or informally (NSW) already making these triage decisions when allocating limited environmental water.
We propose a decision making framework for codifying these decisions.
TOWARDS A SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFSETTING IN THE MURRAY-DARLING BASIN
From Jamie Pittock, Friend of the Trust
This paper on water offsetting, looks at the ~$1 billion in existing and proposed engineering projects in the Basin that are intended by 2024 to conserve wetland biodiversity with less water, known as the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) ‘down water’ projects.
In essence, this is the world’s biggest proposed environmental water off-setting scheme.
We critique the legislated method for evaluation of the SDLAM and the suitability of the process for evaluating whether equivalent environmental outcomes have been achieved. We found that the SDLAM evaluation method is not scientifically rigorous. It excludes residual risks, Basin-wide impacts and climate change. The evaluation timeline is biased towards measuring infrastructure outputs rather than environmental outcomes and impacts. Flaws in the SDLAM evaluation processes mean that environmental benefits are likely to be overstated, risking further reductions in allocations of water for the environment.
Improved evaluation, including empirical data on outputs, outcomes and impacts, is needed to ensure that conservation objectives can be met for wetlands subject to SDLAM projects.
LAND DEGRADATION AND WATER QUALITY MONITORING
From Dr Neil Sims (2016)
My research background is in the use of Earth observation (EO) remote sensing tools with a focus on floodplains and wetlands, where the land connects to the water. The transition between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems makes these areas structurally complex and changeable, and amongst the most biologically diverse, and EO is a great tool for observing how they change across space and over time
Neil Sims at GEO Week in Accra, where he received an award for Individual Excellence. Neil now carries this name card around with him and puts it out at cafés and stuff.
Over the last 25 years I have used EO technologies to investigate many features of the Earth’s surface including forests, catchments and the condition of the land. Since 2016 I have worked with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to measure and reduce land degradation, principally within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The UNCCD is custodian of SDG Indicator 15.3.1 on land degradation[i], and the methods CSIRO wrote to help countries report on their land degradation have helped make it one of the most reported of all SDG Indicators[ii].
The UNCCD is also custodian of SDG Target 15.3 on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) which is essentially an integrated ‘net zero’ land use planning and management framework[iii]. In 2018 the UNCCD approached the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the intergovernmental peak body on EO in the UN system[iv], which led to the creation of the GEO Land Degradation Neutrality (GEO LDN) program[v]. I have co-led the GEO LDN program with colleagues in Germany and Ghana since its commencement. One of the most exciting developments in this field has been the recent opportunity to support our Federal Government to increase Australia’s engagement with LDN processes, including planning to develop new EO products to measure land cover, vegetation productivity and soil carbon stocks to improve the representation of Australia’s land condition.
Over the last two years I’ve been helping to establish AquaWatch Australia, which is a large CSIRO program to use EO and other technologies to provide a ‘weather service for water quality’ across the globe[vi]. Water quality is intrinsically linked to the condition of the land, of course. To date, 129 countries (not including Australia) have committed to setting LDN targets, which identifies their national ambitions to improve the condition of their land, and one of my ambitions in those countries is to use the GEO LDN methods to support water quality forecasting in AquaWatch. This could help countries meet their SDG reporting needs and improve their water quality information without adding to their reporting effort.
2023 should be an exciting year in both these domains. GEO LDN was announced as a new GEO Flagship in November 2022 following very generous funding support from the German government. GEO LDN is now attracting significant interest from many countries in need of demonstrating efforts to improve their land. AquaWatch Australia is also gaining momentum, and we now have partners right across Australia and the world that are helping us build the system. AquaWatch Australia could genuinely improve the lives of billions of people if we can get it right.
Like a wetland itself, the intersection of land and water research and policy domains also produces a complex and dynamic environment that can be challenging to navigate. My usual approach, however, is to not presume that things can’t be done just because they haven’t been done yet.
Let’s see how we go.
- UN SDG Indicator 15.3.1: https://www.sdgdata.gov.au/goals/life-on-land/15.3.1
- Indicator 15.3.1 Good Practice Guidance Methods document: https://www.unccd.int/resources/manuals-and-guides/good-practice-guidance-sdg-indicator-1531-proportion-land-degraded
- UNCCD LDN: https://www.unccd.int/land-and-life/land-degradation-neutrality/overview
- Group on Earth Observations: https://www.earthobservations.org/index.php
- Group on Earth Observations Land Degradation Neutrality Flagship: https://geo-ldn.org/
- AquaWatch Australia: https://www.csiro.au/en/about/challenges-missions/AquaWatch
3. On Leadership
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS 2023
From Dr Bek Christensen, PCT Programs Director
Introducing the Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program
At its meeting in May 2022, the PCT Board determined that future leadership programs be delivered under the single banner of ‘Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program’, ensuring consistency of content and experience across all delivery platforms. The change is in name only, with all program content and structure retained. The change will take effect from March 2023, when we open recruitment for the 2023 Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program (Women).
As well as providing consistency in the presentation of our leadership programs, this change will enable us to exercise our own adaptive leadership and better respond to opportunities and needs as they arise. This includes future programs exclusively for women, as well as extending the model to other targeted groups in our sector.
One thing is for sure: PCT Leadership Programs will continue to set the standard for leadership in our sector, fostering courageous leaders who will drive the sustainable and equitable management of Australia’s waterways and natural environments.
One Basin CRC
PCT Programs are off to a flying start in 2023, with the One Basin CRC Leaders Program running from 6-10 February in Canberra. This is a tailored program for the leadership group of the new One Basin CRC, which was first announced in May 2022. With a 10-year horizon of operations, a $50 million Commonwealth grant, co-investment from 85+ partners, and a focus on productive, resilient, and sustainable Irrigation Regions, the CRC is in a unique position to deliver solutions to underpin future management of the Murray-Darling Basin. At the outset of their journey, the CRC has recognised the importance of investing in their leaders both as individuals, and as a team. We’re pleased they’ve called on us to partner with them in challenging and growing their people.
WSAA Young Utility Leaders
We then have the next workshop of this year’s WSAA Young Utility Leader’s Program in Perth – and yes I’m hoping to see some of our WA community in person while I’m there!
2023 Science to Policy (S2P) Leadership Program
The 2023 Science to Policy (S2P) Leadership Program begins in late March, and will be the last PCT Program to carry the “Science to Policy” name. The 2023 S2P cohort includes people from almost all states and territories, and a range of organisations including NRM bodies, utilities, government agencies, private industry, and irrigation councils. We look forward to introducing the PCT community to this group of exceptional leaders at their program graduation in May.
2023 Peter Cullen Leadership Program (Women)
Recruitment for the 2023 Peter Cullen Leadership Program (Women) will open in March, with Session 1 in Queensland in early September, and Session 2 – also in Queensland – in mid-November. Full details and dates will be announced shortly.
AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS
Fellows and Friends of the PCT are widely acknowledged for their individual achievements and contributions on many fronts, including:
Professor David Pannell (Friend of the Trust) awarded prestigious US Fellowship
Friend of the Trust, Professor David Pannell, has been selected as a 2023 Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association in the United States, an honour rarely conferred on those living outside the US.
Fellows are selected based on their continuous contribution to the advancement of agricultural or applied economics through research, outreach, teaching, extension, administration and additional contributions.
Professor David Pannell, 2023 Fellow of the US Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
Dr Diana Day (Friend of the Trust)
Dr Diana Day, Friend of the Trust, has been appointed member of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Audit and Compliance Committee.
A highly experienced independent company director of multi-sectoral boards, Diana has strong experience of R&D innovation partnerships, shareholder relationships and regulatory compliance. In addition to her many other commitments, Diana is a volunteer mentor for the Peter Cullen Trust.
Dr Diana Day, Friend of the Trust and volunteer mentor
FRIENDS OF THE TRUST RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
Tom Mollenkopf, AO
Former Trust CEO, Tom Mollenkopf
Former Trust CEO, Tom Mollenkopf, has been recognised in the Australia Day 2023 Honours List, with his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia. Tom has been recognised for his “distinguished service to business, particularly through the essential services industry, and to the community”.
In congratulating Tom, Trust CEO, Darryl Day said that the award is well-deserved recognition of Tom’s inspirational leadership, and “paying it forward” in support of other leaders in water, aquatic environments and their catchments. Tom’s legacy as CEO of the Australian Water Association from 2007-2013 and as CEO of The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust from 2013-2021 endures within both organisations, and the people he has touched. Tom’s contribution to water continues in his current role as President of the International Water Association, and the many other hats he continues to wear with distinction.
Chris Davis, AM
Chris Davis, AM
The Trust was delighted that the late Chris Davis was also recognised in the Australian Honours List, as a Member of the Order of Australia. Chris was commended for his significant service to water management, with his contributions felt here in Australia and internationally. The Award pays tribute to Chris’ vision, influence and transformative leadership as CEO of the Australian Water Association from 1999 to 2007. AWA recognised his contribution with Life Membership in 2008 and the 2016 AWA Exceptional Service Award in 2016. His many leadership roles included as the Chair, Independent Water Advisory Panel, Metropolitan Water Directorate, New South Wales, 2006-2017, and Water Commissioner on the National Water Commission, 2007-2012.
Trust CEO Darryl Day said “Chris was an inspirational leader in water, not only as the voice and face of AWA for 15 years, but leading the water debate on sustainability, community education, diversity and water reform. He challenged water professionals to make a difference. Chris was a leader of passion, commitment, and intellect. Chris left a legacy through the people he inspired and would be humbled by the recognition.”
4. Network News and Views
COP15 DELIVERS LANDMARK BIODIVERSITY AGREEMENT
In December 2022, representatives from 188 governments gathered for the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), to strike a landmark agreement to guide global actions on biodiversity through to 2030.
On the final day, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted; the plan commits to a 30/30 outcome – 30% of the planet and 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030.
Here’s the chilling reality – as a result of human activity, the planet is experiencing its largest loss of life since the dinosaurs. One million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction in our life times.
The GBF consists of four overarching global goals to protect nature including:
- halting human-induced extinction of threatened species and reducing the rate of extinction of all species tenfold by 2050;
- sustainable use and management of biodiversity to ensure that nature’s contributions to people are valued, maintained and enhanced;
- fair sharing of the benefits from the utilization of genetic resources, and digital sequence information on genetic resources; and that
- adequate means of implementing the GBF be accessible to all Parties, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
The UNEP write up of COP15 provides interesting reading and can be accessed HERE.
A key outcome for Australia is the agreement signed by Minister Tanya Plibersek on the last day of COP15 with the US government, promising to deliver better measures of the economic value of nature and reflect it in national accounts. The two countries have committed to “work together to develop a global standard for measuring the amount of nature, its condition and its economic contribution to jobs and wellbeing. The end goal is for natural capital to be factored in to national economic measures.” (The Guardian, 16 Dec 2022 – full report HERE.)
REFLECTIONS FROM COP27 – NATIONAL CONVERSATION, MARCH 2023
Our next National Conversation will be open to all Fellows and Friends, framed as a “report back” from the 27th United Nations, Sharm el-Sheikh, Climate Change Conference (COP 27). In Bridging Issue #50 late last year, we provided a brief overview of the experience, through the eyes of PCT Chair, the Hon Karlene Maywald and Mark Wootton AO (former PCT Director). The Australian Water Partnership played a key role supporting Australian participation, collaborated with International Partner FAO and participated in three sessions. Lucía Gamarra (Senior Partnerships and Impact Officer, Australian Water Partnership) provided her own reflections HERE.
The National Conversation will provide an opportunity to hear directly from Karlene, Mark and Lucia, discuss key messages and observations, and consider the priorities for Australia for COP28 and beyond.
Date and time will be confirmed shortly.
FROM THE FELLOWS NETWORK
Fellows Networking Event – Melbourne
Not so much a Lunch with a Leader as a few drinks with one another. Despite the dismal, wet, windy and cold December day, the hardiest of Melbourne Fellows gathered on the roof top at Federation Square to wrap up the year. And what a wrap up it was. A great evening was had by all, including Chris Arnott (2010) who rode his bike to and from and didn’t thaw out til morning! We were all reminded of the value of our Fellows Network and the strength of purpose that we draw from it. And how much fun it is to just spend some time together.
A huge thank you to Karen and Alanna for organising, reorganising and marshalling us, in the crazy lead up to Christmas; that 20 people rocked up is testament to them and to the pulling power of the PCT.
A great way to finish 2022 and a taste of more to come in 2023.
City Leads – introducing the 2023 team
Great guest speaker and networking events are generated in many of our major centres by volunteer Fellows who act as our “City Leads”.
For 2023, our City Leads are:
- Adelaide – Dan Mollison (2022)
- Brisbane – Matthew Fullerton (2013)
- Canberra – Josh Hindson (2022)
- Melbourne – Karen White (2021) and Alanna Wright (2021)
- Perth – Stacey Hamilton (2018)
- Sydney – Kathryn Silvester (2022) and Lisa Hamilton (2022)
Where are they now?
Fellows move about a good deal; here are some career updates:
- Arash Zamyadi (2022) – formerly at WaterRA, Arash started a new role as Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton. Keep in touch with Arash at Arash.Zamyadi@monash.edu
- Dr Christobel Ferguson (2014) has recently returned to Sydney after finishing up in her role as Chief Innovation Officer for the Water Research Foundation. Christobel was based in Alexandria Virginia, just outside Washington DC for 3 years and has now moved back to Sydney and is looking for new opportunities in the water and environment sector, and is looking forward to reconnecting with fellows and friends. She can be contacted on christobelf@gmail.com or 0456 762 503.
5. Diary Dates
PCT EVENTS
- 3 February – Melbourne Lunch with a Leader with Dr Nerina Di Lorenzo – write up of this sold out event to follow
- 23 February – Fellows Committee Meeting
- 27 February – Bridging Call out opens; closes 27 March – focus is Biodiversity
- MARCH TBC – COP27 webinar
- 28 March TBC – National Water Reform by-invitation dinner with department
- 31 March – Fellows Committee Meeting
- 6 April – Bridging distribution
- 27 April – Fellows Committee Meeting
- 24 May – 2021 S2P 12-month RRR; Chairperson’s Roundtable
- 25 May – 2023 S2P Graduation; Fellows PD Day
- 26 May – Fellows Breakfast
PCT PROGRAMS
- 6-10 February – OneBasin CRC Leaders Program
- 21 February – WSAA Workshop (Perth)
- 19-24 March – 2023 Science to Policy Session 1
- 21-25 May – 2023 Science to Policy Session 2
PCT GOVERNANCE
- 2 February – PCT Audit and Finance Committee Meeting
- 16 February – PCT Board Meeting
- 10 May – PCT Audit and Finance Committee Meeting
- 26 May – PCT Board Meeting
GLOBAL
- 2 February – World Wetlands Day
- 22 March – World Water Day
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Australian & New Zealand Biosolids Partnership’s National Biosolids Conference – 8-9 February
The biennial Australian & New Zealand Biosolids Partnership’s National Biosolids Conference is returning to Sydney in 2023, with the theme Champions for Sustainability. Held over two days, this conference will examine key developments in the industry with a focus on the role of industry, regulators and community as champions for sustainable biosolids management and end-use. The conference will be held at The University of Technology, Sydney on 8-9 February 2023. More details HERE.
Ocean Business Leaders’ Summit: 1-2 March
The Ocean Business Leaders’ Summit in early March brings together business, finance, research, science and government stakeholders to broker dialogue and discussion about a sustainable ocean economy. PCT Fellow Dr Emma Carmody (2013) is amongst the speakers, alongside Minister for the Environment and Water, Hon Tanya Plibersek MP and many others – for details see https://www.oceansummit.com.au/
WOMAD: 10-13 March
PCT Fellows, Dr Emma Carmody (2013) and Dr Anne Poelina (2011), are on the program for Planet Talks at this year’s WOMADelaide, 10-13 March. Planet Talks is an ecological and conversational forum, featuring some of the world’s foremost thinkers, activists, scientists and leaders addressing issues and solutions that affect our lives on the blue planet. Details are available HERE.
Ozwater23 – 9-12 May
Ozwater the annual three-day conference and exhibition featuring a strong line-up of international and national keynote speakers, scientific and technical papers, case studies, workshops, panel sessions and poster presentations will be held at the ICC in Sydney, 9 May – 12 May 2023.
The 2023 theme United by Water celebrates water’s vital role in connecting us all. Water touches every aspect of development. It drives economic growth, supports healthy ecosystems, and is essential and fundamental for life. Our collaborations in water management continue to guide us in this integral space.
More details HERE.
21st International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology in Darwin 4-9 June
For the first time, Australia will host the International Water Association’s Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology from 4 -9 June 2023, in Darwin. The Theme is “Water Safety for All — reflections and emerging concerns.”
The Symposium will cover all aspects of health-related water microbiology across the whole water cycle, applied and basic research on water, micro-organisms and impacts on human health. It will bring together microbiologists, researchers, policymakers, water practitioners from academia, industry, engineers, water utilities, indigenous communities, public authorities and administration to exchange the latest scientific findings, experience and know-how.
Co-chair, Darryl Day, said “we are excited that world leading experts in Water Related Health Microbiology are coming to Australia. It is an opportunity to learn and network with legends in water science and practice, and also turn the spotlight on water challenges in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. We are very keen to explore increased microbial risks presented by extreme events, which will be more frequent with climate change, opportunities in wastewater surveillance, and importantly for the Territory, the role of water-safety plans in providing safe drinking water. In planning the 5-day Symposium we are looking at opportunities to engage with our national and international guests.”
Registrations are open at WaterMicro23
River Reflections: 14-15 June
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority hosts an annual water conference called River Reflections. This year it will be held in Narrabri, NSW on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 June 2023. HERE is the link to MDBA’s webpage with a bit more information.
6. Across the Sector
NSSN GRAND CHALLENGE FUND IS NOW OPEN.
The NSW Smart Sensing Network (nssn.org.au) has opened its 2022/3 Grand Challenge Fund collaborative research funding round. Proposals need to be led by a NSSN university partner and include the fields of clean technology, water, bushfires, and smart places and buildings.
Applications close: 20 February 2023.
NSW SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION & RESEARCH PROGRAM.
The NSW government has also opened its Small Business Innovation and Research Program [SBIR] research and development challenge, and $24 million initiative that provides competitive grants for SMEs to work on NSW government challenges. Fields include biosecurity, waste recovery and urban heat islands. See nssn.org.au for details.
Phase 1 Feasibility applications close: 28 February 2023.
7. Interesting Stuff
CLIMATE RESILIENCE WORK AT YARRA VALLEY WATER
From Lisa Ehrenfried (2014)
In mid-2022, Yarra Valley Water released a refreshed Climate Resilience Plan. To help with the implementation of one of the key projects of this plan – assessing the climate resilience of critical assets – YVV recently secured a $30,000 grant from Emergency Management Victoria. The climate resilience work gained an “exceptional” recognition at the International Water Association’s Climate Smart Utilities Award in Denmark in September 2022, and YVV also presented the Climate Resilience work at IWA’s Water Climate Discussions on Positive Tipping Points in the leadup to COP27, which was viewed by over 2300 people.
A CENTURY OF EVOLUTION OF MODELING FOR RIVER BASIN PLANNING
From Caroline Rosella, ANU (with Professor Tony Jakeman, Friend of the Trust)
This is a recently published chapter providing a historical perspective for modelling to inform river basin planning since the First Industrial Revolution.
River Basin models are critical tools to inform water planning and management decisions. Over time, they have shifted from supporting water resources development to implementing integrated and adaptive water resource management. Central to their evolution and explaining changes in modelling and river basin models is the influence of different factors, including societal, ecological and technological changes.
This article presents a historical perspective of River Basin models from the First Industrial Revolution to the first quarter of the 21st Century. The purpose is to describe the contribution of different planning paradigms and introduce future challenges for river basin modelling: scientific and technological; societal; and ecological changes.
To discuss, and for additional information, please contact the author at Caroline.Rosello@anu.edu.au
DYNAMIC LAGOONS – THE WORLD OF UPLAND WETLANDS
From Ann Milligan, Friend of the Trust
PCT Fellow, Dr Deb Bower (2019), is a co-author of this new colouring book about Australian wildlife. Dynamic Lagoons: Colour the world of the upland wetlands celebrates the wonderful ‘Upland wetlands of the drainage divide of the New England Tableland Bioregion’ an ecosystem that is listed as threatened at State and National level.
INNOVATION IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY 2022
From Dr Diana Day, Friend of the Trust
The NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN), in partnership with Hunter Circular Economic Zone and HunterNet Cooperative, hosted the Innovation in the Circular Economy 2022 Conference, at Newcastle City Hall on 27-28 October.
This two-day conference brought together stakeholders from across industry, universities and government to explore technological innovation, with experts from across the eight universities that comprise the NSSN examining solutions for complex problems in recycling.
The NSSN partnered with leading Australian electricity company, AGL, in delivering the conference.
AGL is planning the redevelopment of the Liddell and Bayswater Power Station site, in the Upper Hunter region of NSW, into an integrated industrial energy hub. AGL is focusing on clean energy projects and energy intensive industry. Energy projects under investigation for the site and Hunter Region include hydrogen production, a grid scale battery, solar thermal storage, pumped hydro and a large-scale wind project. Potential complementary industry sectors include manufacturing, green chemicals, data, recycling and agri-food industries.
BRINGING MURRAY COD BACK TO THE BAAKA
From Dr Paul Frazier (2012)
Government agencies, local communities and First Nations representatives are exploring ways to help return the once iconic Murray Cod to their former glory in the Darling-Baaka River between Bourke and Louth.
In three years of detailed Fishery survey in the Darling between Bourke and Louth we have found only 6 Murray cod. They simply can’t recover naturally in those numbers.
“We are at a crossroads for Murray Cod in this part of the Murray-Darling Basin. Sampling shows that they are simply at numbers too low to recover naturally along this reach of the Darling-Baaka, with strategic action needed to help bring back the fish.” Dr Paul Frazier
