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As Northern Australia grapples with climate risks alongside big decisions about land and water, Watertrust Principal Kate Peake sees opportunities in the challenge. Fresh from the Great North Conference, which coincided with the release of Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, she reflects on why constructive, forward-looking conversations can open space for collaboration.

In the Northern Basin, rivers rise and fall quickly, shaping communities, livelihoods and culture. Watertrust Principal Mike Peat has been returning to the region to support conversations that build on existing relationships and explore how efforts can be better connected.

With strong local knowledge and deep relationships, Watertrust’s Kate Peake is helping Territorians see their local priorities for water reflected in government policy. Those priorities range from healthy rivers and cultural care for Country, to reliable town water supply and livelihoods. She explains why, in the NT where policy is still taking shape, co-designed, inclusion-first work is the sensible way forward. And how this approach brings the right people to the table to capture lived experience alongside evidence, giving government practical ways to apply that input.

Peter Horne and the Watertrust Upper Murrumbidgee team have been filming local voices to capture what matters now for the river. A clear message is coming through. Act now to protect and repair, and plan for generations ahead. Peter explains why he is filming and how the stories reflect local priorities for water. He is listening for common threads across different perspectives and making room for detail that is often missed. The result is a grounded picture of what people value and what they want to see happen next.