For the past two years, climate change has been the unspoken backdrop to nearly every discussion in the Water Think Tank. While we might debate the causes, the reality of a changing climate is clear — and its implications for southern Victoria and the Maribyrnong catchment are profound.

At this special session, we’ll explore:

🌧 How are seasonal rainfall patterns shifting in the catchment?
💧 What are the projected changes to surface water availability?
🌊 What are the implications for flood risk and extreme rainfall events?
📉 How will hydrology across the catchment be affected in a hotter, drier climate?

🎤 Guest Speaker: Geoff Steendam

Manager – Hydrology, Climate and Energy, DEECA

Geoff leads the Victorian Water and Climate Initiative, a major research partnership between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the Bureau of Meteorology, and CSIRO. This long-term program aims to understand how climate change is already affecting — and will continue to affect — Victoria’s water resources.

With over 20 years’ experience in both public and private sectors, and a background in Environmental Engineering specialising in hydrology, Geoff brings deep expertise on climate modelling, water planning, and system-wide change.

🗓 Agenda

Part 1:

10:00 AM – Agree on response to GWW’s investigation of an alternative for Sunbury recycled water
11:00 AM – Morning tea

Part 2:

11:30 AM – Climate scenarios presentation & discussion with Geoff Steendam
1:00 PM – Finish