Latest news
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Connectivity and consultation
09 February 2026
Political theatrics and point-scoring can crowd out the big policy issues that impact communities. In this video, CEO Karen Hutchinson reflects on new research that identifies that tension and explains why it matters right now, with the Basin Plan Review consultation underway. Karen also flags what’s ahead in this edition, including engaging earlier, connectivity, welcoming new Board member Kinjia Munkara-Murray.
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A better way to secure the Upper Murrumbidgee’s future
07 March 2025
The Upper Murrumbidgee River has long been at the heart of cultural, environmental, and agricultural life for communities across the region. Today, more than ever, its future depends on how water is managed in the face of climate variability, competing demands, and the need to balance economic, environmental, and cultural outcomes.
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Shaping the future of water policy
13 February 2025
Water policy in Australia is at a turning point. The challenges we face – climate pressures, competing demands, and the need for greater transparency – are now firmly in the national spotlight. Watertrust Australia was created for this: to help drive smarter, more inclusive water decisions.
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Creating a better way to shape water policy
10 February 2025
The review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (SWIOID) presents a unique opportunity to embrace a 21st-century approach to water policy decision-making – one that is transparent, collaborative, and community-driven.
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Fairness in focus: A new path for Australia’s water future
31 January 2025
Two new reports from Watertrust Australia are challenging policymakers to rethink water governance by placing fairness, equity, and justice at the heart of decision-making.
These reports are part of Watertrust’s wider Equity, Fairness, and Justice initiative, which aims to reshape how water policy decisions are made in Australia.
These reports are part of Watertrust’s wider Equity, Fairness, and Justice initiative, which aims to reshape how water policy decisions are made in Australia.
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New NT report contributes to a groundswell for change
20 January 2025
A report released today claims modern approaches to making policy decisions will deliver better outcomes in the Northern Territory’s contentious water allocation debate.
Specialists from Watertrust Australia say that the NT is particularly well placed to embrace new, best practice consultation and decision making. Getting this right will create water policy that Territorians have confidence in and ensure freshwater is allocated fairly in the Western Davenport region north of Alice Springs and elsewhere.
Specialists from Watertrust Australia say that the NT is particularly well placed to embrace new, best practice consultation and decision making. Getting this right will create water policy that Territorians have confidence in and ensure freshwater is allocated fairly in the Western Davenport region north of Alice Springs and elsewhere.
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Introducing Chris Cumming
17 December 2024
It’s only with 20-20 hindsight that Chris Cumming can see her entire career led to her becoming a principal at Watertrust Australia.
Three decades of roaming through increasingly senior and diverse roles in the rural sector, working alongside and within the Victorian and New South Wales state governments, encompassing community services, sustainability and environment, as well as a not-for-profit focused on including communities, and then heading up a Victorian catchment management authority.
Three decades of roaming through increasingly senior and diverse roles in the rural sector, working alongside and within the Victorian and New South Wales state governments, encompassing community services, sustainability and environment, as well as a not-for-profit focused on including communities, and then heading up a Victorian catchment management authority.