AWA Ozwater 2007

Australia is in the grip of what has been described as a one-in-one-thousand-year drought. Whilst European records do not go back far enough to substantiate that claim, what can be stated is that the national, state and local spotlight is on the management of our water resources. Currently there is a process of adjustment going on to balance the human, agricultural and environmental needs for water. The technology is available to recycle and re-use to a greater extent.

At Ozwater 2007, to be held in Sydney from Sunday 4 March to Thursday 8 March 2007, the Australian Water Association (AWA) has invited a range of top keynote speakers from across Australia and abroad to discuss the ways in which we can overcome the obstacles to achieving a sustainable supply.

The keynote speakers include the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister for water policy, the Hon David Campbell MLA, NSW minister for water utilities, Professor Eugene Cloete, senior fellow, Water Institute of Southern Africa, John Ruetten, president and co-founder, Resource Trends, Inc. and Dr Jim Gill, chief executive officer, Western Australia Water Corporation.

Darryl Day points out that it is 12 years since Ozwater was last held in Sydney. In that time, he says, "AWA has grown and matured. In March 2007 we have a compelling threesome: the hottest topic, the biggest water association in Australia and our nation''s major city, making Ozwater 2007 an absolute must for every water stakeholder."

Indeed, the host city of Sydney will be in the spotlight at the event, with a panel of CEOs discussing the particular issues related to managing water for this major capital city. They will include Lisa Corbyn, director general of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Graeme Head, chief executive of Sydney Catchment Authority, Mark Duffy, director general of the NSW Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, Kerry Schott, managing director of Sydney Water and Professor Peter Cullen, chair of the Metro Water Independent Review Panel and commissioner of the National Water Commission.

Darryl Day has extended his thanks to the 17 sponsors who have invested in this event. "It is their support that makes the event affordable for large numbers of delegates to attend," he said.

The Ozwater Convention & Exhibition is AWA's major biennial event. In 2007 it is expected to involve more than 4000 Australian water industry people, comprising 1000 delegates, 2500 trade visitors and 500 exhibitor staff. It is an ideal opportunity to meet with water industry colleagues, hear the latest industry knowledge from more than 250 presenters and see the goods and services of 175 exhibitors.

The latest program updates and registration is available online at www.awaozwater.net.