Latest News
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Showing up for progress
09 October 2025
Progress starts with showing up. Across the country, people are finding ways to move through differences, challenge silos and keep conversations going. From urban panels to Basin communities, this edition is a reminder that when people connect and stay curious, progress follows.
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How do you manage water when the river stops flowing?
09 June 2025
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.
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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.
