In late July, water utility innovation managers from across Australia convened for a dynamic and insightful event hosted by Seqwater and Unitywater.
The gathering was a part of the Innovation Futures Community of Practice (IF CoP) and featured a mix of site tours, training sessions, and collaborative workshops, spanning three days from 24th to 26th July 2024.
Day 1: Engaging Site Tours and Networking
The event commenced with an immersive day of site tours. Participants explored key locations such as the Caboolture River, Ewan Maddock Dam, and Maleny Wetlands. These tours provided firsthand insights into innovative projects led by Unitywater and Seqwater, showcasing practical applications of innovative technologies and approaches. The day concluded with a networking dinner.
Day 2: Interactive Training and Resource Sharing
The second day shifted to a more formal setting at Seqwater's Creek Street office. The morning began with a warm welcome from the hosts, followed by a comprehensive training session facilitated by Impact Innovation. This session emphasised best practices in innovation management.
Post-lunch, the focus turned to resource sharing and utility updates. Each participating utility presented templates and key projects, providing valuable resources and insights for the broader Innovation Futures Community of Practice.
Seqwater Innovation Festival
As a bonus attendees were also invited to the Seqwater Innovation Festival. Held at the Precinct in Fortitude Valley, the festival included morning tea networking, innovation project presentations, panel discussions with regional partners, and a live pitch session. The day concluded with a keynote speaker session and guest presentations from other water utilities, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new ideas.
Looking Ahead
The IF CoP meeting highlighted the critical role of collaboration and innovation in the water sector. By sharing knowledge and resources, water utilities can better tackle the challenges of today and prepare for the future. The insights gained and connections made during this event will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing advancement of water management practices across Australia.
For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved with the Innovation Futures Community of Practice, please visit our website.
5 Aug 2024
