Shaping the future of water policy

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.

Across the country, we are tackling some of the most complex and pressing issues in water governance. From embedding fairness and equity in decision-making to strengthening trust in policy processes and exploring innovative approaches to consultation, our work is driving real change. Our recent reports and initiatives are not just research pieces – they are roadmaps to better, smarter, and more enduring water policy.

Strategic planning in December has sharpened our direction, reinforcing our commitment to leading innovative, solutions-focused water governance. With a new principal joining at the end of March we are strengthening our ability to respond to the increasing demand for fresh approaches that break deadlocks and build consensus.

We continue to work to raise Watertrust’s visibility, ensuring that our work is at the forefront of national water policy discussions. Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch our next major initiative, further advancing deliberative processes as a core approach to water governance.

This work has never been more important. Trust in government and faith in science is low, and better water policy depends on restoring confidence in decision-making. Watertrust plays a pivotal role in creating the conditions for informed, inclusive, and enduring solutions. Our work aligns with a global movement toward deliberative processes, demonstrating that better decisions come from processes that engage, respect, and empower diverse voices.

As we move forward, our mission remains clear: to break through policy deadlocks, build trust, and ensure that Australia’s water decisions are not just made, but made to last.

We look forward to sharing more with you in this edition of our newsletter.

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