Improving brine disposal through desalination technology and innovative drainage and urban waterways renewal are some of the projects Water Minister Mia Davies has praised, after they were recognised at the 2015 Australian Water Association (AWA) WA Water Awards.
Ms Davies said the winners, announced at an event at the Duxton Hotel last week, highlighted the commitment by government, industry bodies and the community to keep pace with the need for innovative water solutions.
"The range and quality of this year's entries has been remarkable," she said.
"They have ranged from young water professionals forging their careers by driving water awareness in the community, to collaborative approaches to achieving excellence in infrastructure design and development across the State."
The Minister said the number of joint projects with the State Government's water agencies highlighted the partnerships that were being formed with government to achieve benefits for the entire community.
"The State Government is committed to working with the private sector to deliver on our plan for managing Western Australia's water needs to the highest standards," Ms Davies said.
"To achieve this, every one of us has a role to play in championing the waterwise message, while continuing to evolve and transform our thinking towards enduring water security."
The AWA WA Water Awards were presented by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation.
Fact File
The Australian Water Association is an independent, not-for-profit group representing water professionals and organisations around Australia
The awards have been conducted for more than 10 years
Minister's office - 6552 5500
2015 award recipients
Research Innovation Award
Evaluation of Vibratory Shear Membrane Technology for Concentrate Minimisation and Brine Recovery/Recycling, National Centre of Excellence in Desalination Australia
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
Pilbara Clearwater Alliance, Water Corporation and Downer
Program Innovation Award
Rural Water Plan, Department of Water
Grahame Heal Water Sensitive Urban Design Award
Urban Waterways Renewal, Department of Water and South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare
Conservation and Efficiency Award
Canning City Centre Arterial Drainage Plan, Essential Environmental
Resource Management Award
River health assessments using the South West Index of River Condition, Department of Water
Undergraduate Water Prize
Luke Murphy, Rottnest Island Sustainable water expansion project, Murdoch University
Young Water Professional of the Year Award
Ben Mitchell, Jacobs
Water Professional of the Year
Mike Harold, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
