Latest news
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Honouring leadership, looking ahead
18 June 2025
This edition of our newsletter is a little special. We farewell a founding Director, celebrate a national honour, and share reflections from recent work in the Upper Murrumbidgee, Lower Balonne, and Beetaloo Basin. Across very different landscapes and communities, a common thread continues to emerge about the importance of relationships and the value of being part of conversations that help shape what comes next.
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Measuring impact
07 May 2025
It’s not always easy to measure impact, especially when your goal is to change how decisions get made.
In this short video, CEO Karen Hutchinson shares why Watertrust’s independence matters, what it’s unlocking in places like the Northern Territory, and how a quiet, considered approach is starting to shift the way water policy gets done in Australia.
In this short video, CEO Karen Hutchinson shares why Watertrust’s independence matters, what it’s unlocking in places like the Northern Territory, and how a quiet, considered approach is starting to shift the way water policy gets done in Australia.
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Working together, progress builds in the NT
02 May 2025
With strong local knowledge and deep relationships, Watertrust’s Kate Peake continues to support Territory-specific approaches to water planning. In this update, she reflects on how recent engagement with the NT Government is opening up space for patient, practical progress; and why building trust is essential to getting it right.
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Less about the plan, more about the planning
30 April 2025
Watertrust Principal Mike Peat brings deep experience and a grounded, collaborative approach to some of the challenges in the Basin. With long-standing relationships across governments, communities and industry, Mike is focusing on listening first, before helping to shape practical, aligned outcomes. In this article, Mike shares why it’s less about the plan, and more about the planning; and why getting the conditions right early can open up space for real progress.
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Policy in practice – a grower’s perspective
29 April 2025
Paul McLaughlin grows watermelons 370km north of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory. Paul saw first-hand how differing perspectives and shifting processes create confusion, distrust, and frustration. What changed? A different approach – one based on listening, consistency, and neutrality.
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Shifting to holistic water management in Greater Adelaide
28 March 2025
Greater Adelaide, home to over 1.5 million people and contributing to some 80% of South Australia’s economic activity, faces mounting water challenges.
Climate change, population growth, ageing infrastructure, and increasing community expectations are straining a water management system that was not designed to meet today’s needs. Without reform, water security, liveability, and community wellbeing will come under increasing pressure.
Climate change, population growth, ageing infrastructure, and increasing community expectations are straining a water management system that was not designed to meet today’s needs. Without reform, water security, liveability, and community wellbeing will come under increasing pressure.
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Progress, impact, and what’s next for Watertrust
19 March 2025
Real change in water governance happens when diverse voices come together. Watertrust has been working alongside communities, governments, and experts to strengthen collaboration and ensure water policy decisions reflect a broad range of perspectives. From the long-awaited SWIOID review to major insights on water governance in Adelaide, momentum is building. Karen shares some of our latest successes, how we’re strengthening our team, and what’s ahead as we continue to support inclusive, solutions-focused water policy.
