Tuesday 26 November (morning)
Panel chair Andrew Ross introduced the importance of groundwater in achieving the UN sustainable development goals noting that “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” will be the theme for World Water Day in 2022. Len Drury presented examples of the expanding demands faced by groundwater experts to address impacts of climate change on groundwater, transboundary aquifers, gender equality and social inclusion as well as management of aquifer systems and groundwater investigations. Erika Korosi outlined the importance of managing water related risks and explained BHP’s comprehensive and inclusive approach to water stewardship. Ross Carruthers provided a natural resource management and landholder perspective with illustrations from coastal management in Queensland and monitoring groundwater impacts of coal seam gas. Questions to the panel provoked a lively discussion about the value of citizen science, models for stakeholder engagement, communication of science to communities and users and the conservation of aquifers.
Panel members
Dr Andrew Ross (Chair)
Visiting Research Fellow Fenner School, Australian National University
Lead Water Stewardship, BHP
Partner, Aqua Rock Konsultants