Water: essential for life and our security

Australia is one of the driest continents and water is crucial for agriculture and for all Australians, whether in small country towns or in the cities. Droughts and floods are part of our history, but as climate disruption ramps up, it is even more crucial that we are prepared for the uncertain future.

Speakers:

• Prof Quentin Grafton, “Truths and Post-Truths of Australian Water”.  The presentation will briefly describe the four great D’s of Australian water (Dispossession, Delusion, Diversions and Degradation) and then discuss the post-truths and reality about how Australian water is managed. Quentin Grafton is Prof ANU and Hororary Prof, Australian Laureate Fellow & Chairholder, UNESCO Chair in Water Economics, Convener, Water Justice Hub, Executive Editor, Global Water Forum.
• Em Prof Ian Lowe, “Water, nuclear power and radioactive waste.”   There are several reasons to conclude the Coalition proposal to build seven nuclear power stations is impractical. The most fundamental is that Commonwealth law and laws in the three eastern mainland States prohibit nuclear power. If it were legal, however, the demand for cooling water would be a serious problem for this driest inhabited continent. Nuclear power stations would also produce radioactive waste – raising many further issues. Ian Lowe is an emeritus professor in the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University, a former Director of the Commission for the future, President of the Australian Conservation Foundation 2004 – 2014, author of many books and is a co-chair of the APSF.
• Melita Grant, “Promoting peace through inclusive, climate resilient water security and sanitation.” Melita will discuss why and how Australia should support peace and security in our region through water diplomacy and investing in inclusive, climate resilient water security, sanitation and hygiene programs in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. Melita specialises in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and integrated water resources management (IWRM) in international development, with a focus on inclusion and evidence-based policy and practice. Melita has worked for 23 years’ in government, university, and civil society sectors with all roles related to water.
  
• Matilda Byrne (Moderator). Matilda is the national coordinator for the Australia Stop Killer Robots campaign based at SafeGround, a PhD candidate and co-chair of APSF.