Exporting $5 Billion Of Australian Water Expertise

Exporting $5 Billion of Australian Water Expertise

Australia's National Water Conference and Exhibition has opened with several thousand water professionals gathered in Melbourne to chart the nation's and now the world's - path to sustainable water management.

The Ozwater '09 conference and exhibition is hosted by the Australian Water Association (AWA) in partnership with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Among the highlights of today's opening ceremony was the launch of an initiative to showcase Australia's expertise in innovative water management practices. Water Australia will position Australia as the world's top of mind water-smart country, according to inaugural Chairman Dr. Jim Gill AO.

Dr. Gill, the internationally respected former CEO of WA's Water Corporation and recipient of last year's IWA Grand Award, said the new organisation's main role will be to provide a framework to drive industry growth nationally and globally. "Given the worldwide focus on water and the environment, the timing is ideal to bring Australia's water industry players together."

"Water Australia's promise is `proven water management for a changing world' and our goal is to develop a $5 billion export industry for water goods and services by 2015," said Gill.

The group will operate under the umbrella of the Australian Water Association, the nation's peak water body, and will boost global export opportunities by building upon existing international successes of key Australian companies, nurturing emerging firms, enlisting the active support of National and State Governments and coordinating inbound and outbound trade missions.

Tom Mollenkopf, Chief Executive of the AWA said, "Australian companies have the experience to play the lead roles in projects at home and abroad. Water Australia could position the water industry as twice the size of successful export industries such as wine or dairy."

This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Gill. "Many Australians don't realise how advanced we are in water management. We lead the world in adapting to rapidly drying climate. We have expertise in the application of major sea water desalination, recycling and precision irrigation, and our models for governance and industry structure win approval from many parts of the world.

"Successful business means doing more of what you are good at, and there is nothing Australians are better at than managing our finite water resource."

For further information please contact:
Edie Nyers - 0401 806 277 or [email protected]

SOURCE: Australia Water Association