Presented by Mark O’Donohue Future Directions for Water Recycling in Australia: Where will we be in 2030? Greg Oliver Manager, Sustainable R&D

Overview 2. What is the Centre aiming to achieve in this ‘Future Directions 2030’ Project? 3. Feedback from national consultation to date 1. Overview of the Centre 4. Overview of this workshop

1. Quick Overview of the Centre

The Centre’s Mission To enhance management and use of water recycling through industry and research partnerships, build capacity and capability within the recycled water industry, and promote water recycling as a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable option for future water security

Long Term Rainfall Trend A Dry Continent

Water Recycling is now, and will increasingly become, a key component of Australia’s future water supply portfolio Australia – has solid base to work from with the development of national water quality guidelines (for drinking and recycling) Drying climate with increasing population National water organisations such as WSAA, AWA and National Water Commission have stressed the need for diversity of supplies, with water recycling for drinking to be considered on its merits Context for Today’s Discussions

Water Recycling Schemes Water recycling for agriculture, environment, industry, food processing and drinking Increasing diversity of applications Significant public and private investment since 2000

Water Recycling Capacity (% of demand) 2002 – 3% 2013 ~ 18% The Centre’s Strategic Research Plan

Drivers for Water Recycling Environment –Reduced demand on other drinking water sources –Reduced WWTP pollutant loads to natural waterways –Improved environmental flows Economic –Cost effective supply option for industry and urban growth –Increases property values –Deferment of head works infrastructure –Creates economic value e.g. agricultural production Social –Increased amenity value e.g. irrigation of homes & sports fields –New recreational areas e.g. through wetlands and other water recycling ‘infrastructure’ –General community support for ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ concept

Initial Commonwealth Government funding was $20million for Not for profit R&D company limited by guarantee, 4 Board and 6 staff members Provides national focus and advocates for water recycling R&D Members comprise the Centre’s Research Advisory Committee and establish the Strategic Research Plan Centre Overview Total value of research investment now >$40million

Centre’s Research Goals: Strategic Research Plan 6

8 The Centre’s projects Examples of how the Centre’s Research & Development portfolio is developed, aiming at influencing policy, practice and planning in Australia’s urban water sector Goal 1Goal 2Goal 3Goal 4

The social/ economic/ environmental value of Water Recycling is demonstrated and enhanced Projects to demonstrate and promote water recycling as a sustainable/high value (social/economic/environmental) option to secure future water needs, including research with a focus on optimising water recycling for diverse purposes including environmental, industrial and agricultural end uses Goal 1 15 projects currently funded under Goal 1

A national validation framework for water recycling is established Projects to support a national validation framework for water recycling schemes and the research to support regulator and industry confidence in regional and metropolitan implementation. Goal 2 6 sub-projects currently funded under Goal 2

Reclaimed water is seen as an acceptable ‘alternate water’ for augmenting drinking water supplies Projects that demonstrate water recycling as a viable option for sustainable potable water supply, including research into communication and other challenges associated with water recycling for potable use. Goal 3 National Demonstration, Education & Engagement Program (NDEEP)

A national knowledge, training and education program for water recycling is established Projects to consolidate recycled water knowledge and activities in Australia, with research that supports student and postdoctoral appointees and provides opportunities to capture and relay the industry learnings that are rapidly being developed at the jurisdictional level Goal 4

DIRECTION & APPROVAL Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence Ltd Board of Directors RESEARCH STRATEGY & PROJECT EVALUATION Research Advisory Committee RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DELIVERY Centre’s Project Research & Development Providers MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION Centre Management CEO & Research Managers Chair – Leith Boully Chair – John Radcliffe CEO – Mark O’Donohue Determined by project selection Project Advisory Committees Governance Structure

2. What is the Centre aiming to achieve in this ‘Future Directions 2030’ project?

Our objectives Part of the legacy of its funded of R&D program Contributing to the national debate and dialogue on the forms of water recycling The framing of a national roadmap for facilitating enhanced uptake of water recycling Identification of the key implementation pathways and, where possible, further definition and products to assist implementation

3. Feedback from National Consultation to Date

Evolving Consultation…

Summary of Findings…to date 1.Water recycling is now an accepted water supply option, and it generally includes stormwater reuse 2.Stakeholders do not see great benefit in another strategic document at the national level 3.There is however a need to facilitate sound decision making and for consistency across jurisdictions (between states and within states in terms of parties involved in water recycling and planning) 4.Stakeholders do not generally support the establishment of national targets but would be receptive to a decision making framework allowing proactive self-assessment

Are the Drivers Consistent? Drivers vary and are jurisdiction specific Long-term planning still carries a significant amount of risk when drivers and context can change so rapidly Water recycling planning and regulation can be very reactive, and the short-term response to incidents or community perception can disrupt long-term planning The picture is often simple: not enough water, too much water and/or environmental limitations

Potential output. A Decision Support Framework…? Governance - Identifying drivers and their role in a state-specific context Providing users with a very clear understanding of the risk and costs (financial, skills and resources) associated with specific applications in context Consistency in language and terminology at a national level & within states which operate under different planning or regulatory regimes Providing access to and building on existing knowledge (case studies, lessons learned, research and innovation) Challenge of remaining accurate/current and allowing long-term sustainable planning (ie. being able to deal with contextual changes)

4. Workshop Agenda National Recycling – Snapshot Overview Table Discussions – 4 themes Report Back and Plenary Discussion Where to from Here?

National Recycling: Snapshot Overview –Summary of current status of recycling in 2014 –What is proposed or envisaged by 2030 and what are the key drivers associated with this? –What are the three most significant gaps/barriers/hurdles? –What aspects might benefit from national consistency? –What would represent a likely staged process for getting there?

Themed Table Discussions 1.Policy, Planning and Regulation 2.Economic Assessment and Investment 3.Communication and Engagement 4.Research and Innovation

Themed Table Discussions 1.Likely water recycling landscape in Key gaps, hurdles and challenges associated with this implementation pathway and processes 3.Any aspects of these implementation pathways that might benefit from enhanced national consistency between jurisdictions 4.Suggested improvement processes and indicative timeline to 2030 for implementing enhanced processes

Today Inviting: –Your feedback and response today –Your interest in ongoing contact with the Centre regarding this project Thank you