Over 50 delegates from industry, government, service providers and research attended the Connected by Water 2026 conference in Perth last week. GEDC CEO, Kris Starcevich hosted a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of delivering water security for Goldfields industries and communities.
Kris was joined by GEDC Regional Development Officer Sophie Willsher, who shared insights into future water challenges in a changing climate, drawing on recent work undertaken as part of the Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Mayor, Glenn Wilson and Director of Engineering, Lui Camporeale shared how the City maximises every drop of water received through its wastewater recycling plant. While St Ives Goldfields Environmental Manager, Sarah Kristy discussed industry’s need for fit-for-purpose water supplies, as well as the challenges associated with hypersaline groundwater.
To conclude, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Executive Director of Statewide Delivery, Liam O’Connell, provided broader insight into the challenges and opportunities communities across regional WA are facing.
The panel explored how practical solutions to collaboration and working together, key themes of the conference, can help address water security across the Goldfields.