Winter 2026 IWM Webinar 2 - Cross-sectoral Collaboration

Are you driven to implement strong Integrated Water Management (IWM) outcomes in your region (Victoria-specific)?

Are you interested to hear about how to embed IWM within an organisation’s culture, processes and decision making?

Are you interested to learn how to deliver innovation in projects with multiple stakeholders?

Join Clearwater, DEECA and our presenters to explore best practice in Integrated Water Management (IWM) and practical skills to build support and drive successful projects for your region. The interactive and locally relevant 2026 webinar series, to be held weekly between 28th July and 26th August 2026, feature topics, including:

Webinar 2: Cross-sectoral Collaboration

This session will build knowledge on how to navigate large-scale projects, on the importance of collaborative governance (inter-organisational) and on how to move projects from inception to implementation, using the Horsham SmartWater Project as case study.

The Horsham SmartWater Project was a major collaborative project between GWM Water, Agriculture Victoria and Horsham Rural City Council, with external funding from the Commonwealth (National Water Grid) and DEECA (previously DELWP). The project involves the connection of a recycled water supply from the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant to sporting fields and green spaces in Horsham. The supply substitutes potable water and supplement stormwater and ultimately river diversions.

This session will involve a facilitated panel discussion followed by audience Q&A.

After attending the session, attendees will:

·      Learn about the principles of effective cross-sectoral collaboration in IWM projects through a case study.

·      Learn about the governance and scoping practices for project success.

·      Understand the challenges and corresponding solutions to successfully navigate a large project, comprising multiple stakeholders.

Who should attend?

Representatives of IWM Forums across the state (both Regional Vic and Metro Melbourne), Local Government, Catchment Management Authorities, Water utilities and other interested parties working in:

•          Strategic and statutory planning

•          Stormwater management

•          Sustainability and liveability

•          Environment / waterway management

•          Water / wastewater infrastructure planning.

Panellists

Graeme Dick, Grampians Wimmera Mallee (GWM) Water

Graeme started as a civil and environmental engineer in 1999 and found himself in the water industry around 2006. He has been involved in many civil, water and renewable energy project and loves being a part of the water industry. Having spent most of his working life in regional towns, Graeme is passionate about delivering practical, sustainable infrastructure that benefits local communities. Graeme is based in Horsham, working with Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.

David Brennan, CEO - Wimmera Catchment Management Authority

David has led the organization for over 15 years now, driving initiatives in water management, sustainable farming practices, biodiversity and community engagement. He focuses on delivering practical outcomes that support both, environmental health and regional prosperity.

Facilitator

Micah Pendergast, Melbourne Water

Micah Pendergast is a water industry professional with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering who has worked at Melbourne Water since 2008 on stormwater, sewage treatment and water supply projects and as IWM officer for City of Port Philip and Merri-bek City Council on secondments. Micah specialises in stormwater management and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and generously shares his expertise not only through industry conferences but also by contributing to technical guidelines eg. Melbourne Water’s MUSIC guidelines.

Location

Online

Cost

Free

Pre-requisites

N/A

A Clearwater-DEECA Capacity Building Initiative