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The Beetaloo Basin is one of Australia’s contested big gas projects, with community concern focused squarely on water. Drawing on recent conversations with those on the ground, Watertrust’s Kate Peake is now Chairing the Advisory Committee guiding a monitoring R&D project focused particularly on the region’s water resources. Her role will help ensure the work remains independent, inclusive, and grounded in local knowledge.

We’re proud to share some wonderful news about our Chair, Kathryn Fagg, who has just received one of our nation’s highest honours.

In the largely unregulated Northern Basin, it’s a question that’s becoming more urgent with every season. On a recent trip through the Condamine–Balonne catchment, Mike Peat met with First Nations representatives, graziers, irrigators and council members – all grappling with how to maintain cultural, environmental and economic connections in a climate that’s getting hotter and drier. In this video, Mike shares insights about what’s already happening on the ground and where Watertrust might be able to help.

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.

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.