Water Think Tank: The Impact of Climate Change on the Maribyrnong Catchment

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