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The risks to Australia’s water resources are great and varied. How we safeguard Australia’s water resources, both now and into the future, is one of the most crucial challenges we face as a nation. As the driest inhabited continent in the world, the stakes are high for the environment, economy and well-being of all Australians.

This National Water Week, you're invited to a panel discussion exploring the future of water security in Australia. We ask six experts to imagine water security in 2050, and how we can achieve a desirable future for all Australians, starting now.

Meet the panelists

• Matthew Coulton - General Manager, Water and Agriculture, Bureau of Meteorology
• Kate McBride - Parliamentary Liaison Officer, The Australia Institute
• Dr Phil Duncan - Galambany Professorial Fellow, Centre for Applied Water Science, University of Canberra
• Dr Paul Wyrwoll - Research Fellow, Institute for Water Futures and Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
• Emeritus Professor Cynthia Mitchell - Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
• Matthew Dadswell, Head of Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The discussion will be moderated by Professor Lorrae van Kerkhoff - Director of the ANU Institute for Water Futures.

The panel of experts will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing Australia as it navigates the risks and sometimes competing priorities of water security. Panelists will address issues including:

• The pressures of climate change and extreme weather
• Drinking water security in regional and remote communities
• The role of rural Australia
• The power of policy and collaboration
• The impacts of aging and new infrastructure
• The importance of First Nations engagement in water management

The discussion will be live-streamed. Join the online discussion here.

This is a hybrid event.  With limited seats available at the in-person event, register now to secure your place. Complimentary refreshments will follow the discussion.

This event is hosted by the Australian Water Association and the ANU Institute for Water Futures with support from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.