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Thursday, 7 July 2011, 9.30am - Level 4, Hall 401
Why attend the Australia Business Forum?
The Australia Water market was valued at US$15 billion[1] in 2010. In the recent report released by the National Water Commission (NWC) on 7 April 2011, titled "Urban Water in Australia: Future Directions", Commission Chair, Ms Chloe Munro highlighted that it is now time for Australia's governments to step back from direct intervention in urban water and give the industry incentives and freedom to innovate.
This year's Australia Business Forum will be focussed on two themes. One, the changing needs in an ever changing climate. Two, the business and economic perspectives of the emerging challenges and issues in the Australia water sector.
We bring to you speakers and participants from key organisations from both government agencies and private sectors in the Australia water market.
The Australia Business Forum provides a unique platform for you to gain insights into the latest water industry trends in Australia and for you to meet like minded individuals. The forum is jointly organised by PUB and the Australian Water Association. Do not miss this opportunity to network with water leaders and business professionals in the region.
Changing needs in an ever changing climate
The Australian Government has estimated that by 2030, Australia[2] will face:
| • | A further 1°C of warming in temperatures | | • | Up to 20 percent more months of drought | | • | Up to 25 percent increase in days of very high or extreme fire danger | | • | Increases in storm surges and severe weather events |
The recent report by NWC has also identified extreme climatic variability, the impact of climate change on inflows and other climatic events such as bushfires and storms, as some of the key challenges being faced by the water sector in Australia.
Panellists from Water Corporation, SA Water, the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence, and the National Centre of Excellence for Desalination will share their insights on what is the implication of climate change for Australia and their businesses. They will discuss where the opportunities lie in providing energy efficient water services.
Emerging issues and challenges: An economic and business perspective
Some of the most pressing challenges[3] which the Australian water sector is facing include: | 1. | Securing supply efficiently in the context of significant uncertainty about inflows to catchments and continuing growth in urban population. | | 2. | Meeting customer and community expectations in an effective and efficient manner. | | 3. | Maintaining effective wastewater services and maximising opportunities for efficient integrated water management solutions without compromising public health and the environment. |
The Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts that the Australian population could grow to 35.5 million[4] by 2056 from the current 22.6 million in 2011. With rising demand for water services due to rapid population growth, the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA)[5] estimates that the demand for water in the six major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra) could increase by 40%-50%, from 1505 GL per year to about 2100 GL per year by 2026. WSAA also estimates that at least US$11 billion is being spent on major water and wastewater projects that are already underway or beginning in 2010-11. Some of these major projects include the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant (Perth, estimated cost of US$1 billion), the Victorian Desalination Project (Melbourne, estimated cost of US$3.7billion) and the Adelaide Desalination Plant (Adelaide, estimated cost of US$2 billion).
There is a trend towards more water recycling in Australia. It was reported in 2010 that the total investments in water reuse (for tertiary and higher treatment) in Australia was valued at US$ 380 million[6]. It was also reported by NWC that the total volume of recycled water supplied in Australia rose by 10% - from 222 GL in 2008-2009 to 245 GL in 2009-2010. The challenge for service providers would be that they have to better manage the actual and perceived risks to public health with regards to using recycled water, and also community concerns about the use of recycled water for drinking purposes.
We bring to you a discussion by panellists from Comdain Infrastructure, Black & Veatch and MWH to give you their perspectives on what are the economic implications to the above issues and challenges for water businesses in Australia.
| 1 | Forecasts from Global Water Market 2011, by Global Water Intelligence | | 2 | Based on estimates from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Updated 15 September 2010 | | 3 | Findings from NWC's National Performance Report released on 7 April 2011 – Urban Water in Australia: Future Directions | | 4 | Population Projections for Australia from 2006 to 2101, Australian Bureau of Statistics | | 5 | Findings from WSAA Report Card for 2009–2010: performance of the Australian urban water industry and projections for the future | | 6 | Forecasts from Municipal Water Reuse Markets 2010, by Global Water Intelligence |
| Time | Programme | | 9.30 am | Networking Tea | | 9.45 am | Opening Remarks
By Forum Chair Mr. Tom Mollenkopf, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Water Association | | 9.55 am | Opening Address
By Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Australia | | 10.00 am | Emerging Issues and Challenges in the Water Sector: the Changing Needs in an Ever-changing Climate
1. Mrs. Sue Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Water Corporation
(Click here to download the presentation slides)
2. Mr. John Ringham, Chief Executive, SA Water
3. Mr. Mark O'Donohue, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Water Recycling Centre of
Excellence
4. Mr. Neil Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, National Centre of Excellence in Desalination
(Click here to download the presentation slides) | | 10.40 am | Questions & Answers | | 11.15 am | Networking Tea | | 11.30 am | CEO Roundtable - Emerging Issues and Challenges: An Economic and Business Perspective
Chaired by Mr. Adam Lovell, Acting Executive Director, Water Services Association of Australia
1. Ms. Lucia Cade, President, Australian Water Association and General Manager
(Growth), Comdain Infrastructure
2. Mr. Dan McCarthy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Black & Veatch Water
3. Mr. John Darmody, Director of Strategy (Asia Pacific), MWH Global Inc | | 12.05 pm | Questions & Answers | | 12.30 pm | End |
Schedule is accurate as at 24 June 2011  | AWA is Australia's leading membership association for water professionals and organisations. Independent and not for profit AWA plays an important role in supporting the Australian water sector in the delivery of effective and sustainable water management practices.
AWA has a unique position in the water sector as the only body that represents all water-related disciplines. Our broadly based members includes engineers, scientists, consultants, environmental managers, regulators, operational staff and many more from the public, private and third sector.
We work with water professionals to provide professional development and networking opportunities to help continuously advance skills and expertise within the sector. Through our extensive range of technical seminars, courses and conferences, we also provide a forum for debate and best practice dissemination at a local, national and international level.
AWA is committed to building Australia's water capabilities in order to maintain its position as a world leader in water management.
www.awa.asn.au/ | | | |  | PUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the national water agency, managing Singapore's water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way. PUB won the2007 Stockholm Industry Water Award and was named Water Agency of the Year at the Global Water Awards 2006.
About PUB's tagline: Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy
PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water in Singapore with the Four National Taps – Local catchment water, Imported Water, NEWater, and Desalinated water. To provide water for all, PUB calls on all Singaporeans to play our part to conserve water, keep our water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so we can enjoy our water resources. We can then have enough water for all uses – for industry, for living, for life.
www.pub.gov.sg |
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