Wrapping up The 7th Annual Australian Water Summit 2009!

The 7th Annual Australian Water Summit was held from June 3-5, 2009 at the Hilton Hotel Brisbane with great success.

Delegates attending were treated to a series of fine presentations from a cross-section of water industry leaders and policy shapers.

Overall delegates felt that "The content was good - lots of pertinent information. Some presentations were more relevant than others but that was not a criticism of the event as it is to be expected at any conference!".

Topics at the Water Summit ranged from; the Federal Government water buyback, operational case studies from leading metropolitan and regional water companies, issues in water pricing and trading, as well as a Queensland focus, and water investment issues surrounding the credit crunch and the global financial crisis.

  
Testimonials from previous Australian Water Series events
   
 

"There was a wide range of topics covered - a good broad overview with good examples and case studies covered in appropriate detail."

"(There was) plenty of variety in speeches yet distinct connections between them that tied together well"

"It improved my theoretical knowledge in a relaxed format, and was backed up by practical examples."

"I was able to expand my knowledge of the supply/demand situation and the current blockers to water reform."

"Speakers were inspiring and addressed the challenges."

"I found there were many great presentations on a wide variety of topics and issues."

"I found there was a high standard of speakers and accessible presentations"

"A well focused depth of expertise"

"The speakers were well selected and presented on a good range of topics" felt one delegate, while a representative of Melbourne Water believed Chairman Joe Flynn - who also spoke on how the Water industry could lift performance and stimulate investment - excelled in creating "good interaction between the speaker and audience. He kept things running well and made efforts to engage the audience at all times."



Joe Flynn, Chief Executive, Water Industry Alliance
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Speaking highlights for delegates included:

Waterfind's CEO Tom Rooney on the Australian Water Market: "I really enjoyed the Q&A style session - helped keep me engaged in an afternoon session."



Tom Rooney, CEO, Waterfind
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Queensland Water Infrastructure chief Graeme Newton in his update on Queensland Dams provided a "good deal of clarity and value in his slides - he was authoritative without being overbearing."



Graeme Newton, CEO, Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd
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National Water Commission Chair & CEO Ken Matthews provided "An informative overview, that was an engaging style without being lecturing."



Ken Matthews, Chairman and CEO, National Water Commission
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At the conclusion of the Conference, The 7th Annual Australian Water Summit delegates identified some issues going forward, such as:

- Access to water and water restrictions
- Successfully securing water for regional industries
- The Federal Government's buyback program
- Emerging impacts of irrigation infrastructure programs

With the Australian Water Summit now finalised for another year, keep an eye out for IIR's forthcoming Australian Water Series events:

- The Water Pricing & Trading Conference in Melbourne on August 24-26, 2009; and,
- The Regional Water Conference in Adelaide on October 29-30, 2009.