Perth’s Water Industry Night – 1st July 2014

Approximately 50 of Perth’s water-y big wigs came together on 1st July 2014 at the Australian Urban Design Research Centre (AUDRC) for the inaugural Water Industry Night.

The event was used as a time to examine some key water protection and management issues facing metropolitan Perth and Peel, particularly in light of WA’s state government plans for a population of 3.5 million by 2050.

Three exceptional keynote speakers addressed event attendees during the evening, with engaging and thought-provoking presentations from:

• Greg Claydon, Executive Director, Department of Water
• Marcus Botte, City of Gosnells –  Designing with nature: the path less travelled
• Vic Bijl, City of Belmont – Success with street trees & stormwater

Challenges relating to upgrading undersized/ageing infrastructure in areas proposed for infill development, building communities in areas of high water table and clay environments, and delivering and sustaining quality functional public open spaces and streetscapes in an increasingly dry climate were major themes of the evening.  And the development industry, local government and community’s response to these challenges was a key topic of discussion!

The night ended over food and drink with old friends, colleagues and industry/government representatives mingling to hash out current issues and initiatives, as well as catch-up on all the water-y gossip. Overall it was a very well-attended evening, with much enthusiasm and debate amongst guests and speakers – I am sure the water industry will be looking forward to next year’s event, particularly as a forum to get heads together on critical water issues (as well as for a bit of a chin wag).

A huge thanks to New WAter Ways for organising the evening, as well as sponsors GHD and the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, and the Australian Urban Design Research Centre for providing a great city venue. Until next year!