Australian cities are some of the most liveable in the world. However, the overriding environmental evidence is that current trajectories for development are unsustainable. New approaches to managing water demand, supply, stormwater, wastewater and urban water environments are fundamental to improving the sustainability and enhancing livability of cities and their surrounding regions. Liveable, productive and sustainable cities will need water systems that are more resilient and adaptable to the pressures of population growth, climate change, urbanisation and resource depletion, as well as meeting consumer service expectations whilst also economically viable in context of competing urban infrastructure needs.

The Urban Water Theme aims to secure climate resilient integrated water services that enhance the sustainability, liveability and productivity of Australia’s growing cities and provide $800M per annum of benefit by 2030. The Theme quantifies the relative social, environmental and economic benefits of alternative water systems and develops new water technologies and management techniques to underpin successful uptake.

Read more about the Urban Water Theme.