International water leaders and industry professionals are in Adelaide today to share ideas and learn from Australia’s experience in water management.
Adelaide’s inaugural Smart Water Summit, hosted by the Water Industry Alliance and ICE WaRM, will mark World Water Day by delivering a unique discussion program for water professionals to convene, share expertise and explore the future of the water industry.
“Delegates from all around the world have come to collaborate and look at Adelaide’s water innovations,” Water Industry Alliance CEO Rachel Barratt said.
“Access to reliable, secure and clean water is an enabler to the economic priorities of Australia and other countries. World Water Day is a unique platform to inspire us to think more boldly and bravely about how we can manage water in Australia, what we can do better and what we can do differently.
“The Smart Water Summit is an opportunity for all parts of the industry to come together and start to have conversations around water management and technologies, prepare for the challenges coming our way and look into business opportunities in water industry solutions.
The Water Industry Alliance Annual General Meeting saw the election of the 2017-2018 Board members, which included the appointment of two new members from the small-to-medium enterprise sector.
David Hart, CEO of Dematec Automation, and Andrew Tefer, Managing Director of Australian Water Environments, have joined the Alliance Board for the first time, joining the re-elected candidates:
• Robran Cock, Regional Operations Manager, TRILITY
• Mark Henderson, Director, Kain Lawyers
• Lionel Ho, Asset Delivery & Client Liaison Manager, Allwater (Principal Member)
• Jim McGuire, General Manager – Strategy, Performance & Innovation, SA Water (Principal Member)
• Karen Rouse, Chief Executive Officer, Water Research Australia
• Steve Morton, Manager – International Business, DEWNR (Principal Member)
• Darren Gibbons, National Sales Manager, RPC Pipe Systems (Principal Member)
Water Industry Alliance CEO Rachel Barratt said David and Andrew will bring a perspective of small-to-medium businesses that are active in South Australia – striking an important balance of expertise on the Board.
“Dematec Automation and Australian Water Environments are two companies that are well and truly embedded in the water industry,” she said. “David and Andrew will bring their experience of the challenges of running a small business in the water industry and complement the diverse skills that we have around the Board.
“On behalf of the Alliance I would like to welcome them both, as well as our returning Board members.”
The AGM also saw the departure of longstanding Board member Tim Waterhouse, as well as Alister Walsh.
“Tim Waterhouse has been a driving force behind the Water Industry Alliance for well over a decade,” Rachel said. “Sentek was one of the founding members of the Alliance and his involvement as a member of the Board and a previous Chair has been instrumental in guiding the organisation.
“Tim’s knowledge has been hugely valued and appreciated, and he will leave a lasting legacy. We hope to continue having an ongoing involvement with Tim as he moves into retirement.
“The Water Industry Alliance would like to thank both Tim and Alister for dedicating their time to serving on the Board. We are sincerely grateful for their professional and personal commitment and contribution and wish them all the very best for the future.”
You can view the Board members' profiles and the Water Industry Alliance Annual Report here.
The $155.6 million Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme has been warmly welcomed by the Water Industry Alliance as a huge vote of confidence in the capability of SA suppliers and a boost to further R&D in the industry, alongside the benefits to horticulture.
South Australia’s Water Industry Alliance has warmly welcomed the announcement of State and Federal Government funding for the $155.6 million Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS).
“Apart from the obvious benefits to the horticultural industry, this is a huge shot in the arm for SA’s $500 million high tech water industry”, WIA Chief Executive Officer Rachel Barratt said.
“The State’s water industry has all the expertise needed to supply the infrastructure and technology for the Scheme.
“It’s an industry with proven capability on projects such as this, both domestically and in the world market.
“This project will require infrastructure such as pipes, pumps, irrigation systems, soil moisture monitors and much more – all of which can be locally sourced.
“At another level, effective water management will demand leading edge technology and this is also available from local suppliers or can be developed by them to meet the specific needs of this project.
“Our industry is renowned for its ingenuity and innovation in overcoming the harsh challenges of water management which our State throws up, not only overcoming these barriers but leading Australia’s charge into international water markets.
“South Australia’s water industry is recognised as a global leader in areas such as irrigation, managed aquifer recharge, saline groundwater management and water policy and education.
“NAIS is a great opportunity for the development of the State’s horticultural industry and the northern Adelaide region. But it’s also an opportunity for our water industry to supply existing expertise and to make further investments in R&D to develop the specialised solutions which will be needed.
“This project is a huge boost for SA and a huge vote of confidence in our local capability. The water industry has a very sound fundamental base and we will work closely with the SA Government and SA Water in maximising the opportunity to further develop our businesses.
“Our two industries – water and horticulture – are both big winners in the NAIS project and we will work together to maximise the benefits and ensure flow-on in our respective markets within Australia and overseas”.
Click here to download the full media release.
Leading South Australian water sector companies were recognised today for excellence in technology and expertise.
The Water Industry Alliance (WIA) Smart Water Award winners were announced today at the 2017 Smart Water Awards Ceremony, recognising and celebrating WIA members for their leading edge expertise and innovation.
Water is a multi-million dollar industry in South Australia and the State’s expertise is being increasingly sought in many countries of the world, foreshadowing great future growth.
Click here to view the full media release.
The newly-appointed Chair of SA’s Water Industry Alliance says the multi-million dollar industry can significantly boost its exports this year while growing its domestic market.
Robran Cock was elected by the WIA’s Board to replace Judith Bradsen, who announced her retirement from the Board last year. He says it’s an exciting time for SA and its water industry.
“We are well placed as an industry sector to export our first class expertise and products both nationally and to the world as the market grows in the face of climate change and increasing water challenges," he said.
Click here to view the full media release.
At the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 15th November, members of the industry association, the Water Industry Alliance (WIA), elected a new Board of Directors for 2017.
The newly appointed Board of Directors hosts a range of industry professionals that collectively bring a broad spectrum of skills and expertise from across the water sector. The breadth of skills and experience of the new Directors will provide a great basis for the governance and strategic advice that the WIA Board provides to the WIA Executive to shape the organisation and the industry.
Click here to view the full media release.
After completing a full, open and public recruitment process, the Water Industry Alliance Chair, Judith Bradsen today announced Rachel Barratt as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Water Industry Alliance.
Click here to view the full media release.
Water Industry Alliance Chair Judith Bradsen recently announced that current Chief Executive Officer Andy Roberts will be moving on to a new role.
The WIA remains dedicated to maintaining the vital programs and relationships during this transition period and the Board has announced its intention to identify and retain an interim Chief Executive while a full, open and public recruitment process takes place.
Click here to view the full media release.
At its recent Annual General Meeting, the Water Industry Alliance (WIA), has elected a new Board of Directors and at the following board meeting appointed a new Chair and Deputy Chair.
Judith Bradsen of Cowell Clarke was appointed the Chair and in doing so became only the third person to hold the position in the Alliance’s existence.
Click here to view the full media release.
Eight outstanding water sector companies were recognised today as leading contributors making a splash in the South Australian water sector.
The Water Industry Alliance (WIA) Smart Water Award winners were announced today at the 2015 WIA Smart Water Award ceremony, recognising winners for demonstrating excellence in expertise in their field.
Click here to view the full media release.
Click here to view the media release.
Click here to view the media release.
Click here to view the media release.
