The Western Australian Government has launched a new hub for water research and practice as part of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), with local partners joining forces with the institute.
The Water Sensitive Cities Australia WA hub will ensure the latest science is applied to local water-focused projects and priorities, drawing on MSDI’s diverse and strong research capabilities, and experience in delivering practical research and tools to advance water sensitive cities (or water wise cities, as referred to in Western Australia).
It will provide a proven mechanism and enhanced capability for WA industry, local and State Government, and researchers to keep collaborating and making waterwise practice mainstream. It is also an opportunity for MSDI to strengthen its links with water practitioners in Western Australia.
Western Australian Water Minister Dave Kelly, said,”Western Australians will benefit directly from Water Sensitive Cities Australia projects in Perth, developing local solutions for local challenges.
“The new Water Sensitive Cities Australia hub to be based in Perth will play a pivotal role in driving local water-focused projects and will help connect WA with other states as part of the national dialogue of water professionals.
“We’re already seeing evidence of waterwise practices making a real impact and WA is actively pursuing its waterwise vision, led by local champions and cross-agency partnerships like Perth’s Water Sensitive Transition Network.”
Water Sensitive Cities Australia was established at Monash University’s Monash Sustainable Development Institute to continue the mission of the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities, with Monash University having a long connection to water sensitive city research and practice.
Western Australia, particularly the state’s south-west, is one of the regions on the planet most impacted by climate change. With changing rainfall patterns and increasing intense weather events posing a real threat to the state’s precious water supplies, it is critical that we use water more efficiently and apply water-sensitive practices to all we do.
The Western Australian Government said its priority is to create water wise cities and towns that are cool, liveable, green and sustainable, and that the state’s economic, social and environmental future is dependent on securing water resources in the context of climate change.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities’ extensive body of research has demonstrated that waterwise cities practices and principles work. The next step is to make them the norm.
This is now the mission of Water Sensitive Cities Australia and is being delivered through the Western Australian State Government’s Waterwise Perth Action Plan as well as many other projects and initiatives.
As well as driving Perth’s water wise transition, the WA Water Sensitive Transition Network is part of a national network coordinated by Water Sensitive Cities Australia that is making waterwise practice part of everyday life.
“One day, no matter where we are, we will see waterwise practices in use and in projects large and small,” Mr Kelly said.
