Experts to discuss drought resilience and water security when Ballina hosts state conference

BALLINA will host the 2026 Local Government NSW Water Management Conference with delegates from across the state to focus on drought resilience and future services in sustainability.

The annual event is being delivered by Local Government NSW in partnership with Ballina Shire Council and supported by Rous County Council.

It will be held at the Ballina RSL club with a range of activities across the region from 2-4 September.

It will examine key challenges facing local water utilities, including reform, long-term planning, and service delivery improvements across urban and regional communities.

The theme for 2026 is Local Water, Shared Responsibility.

“It reflects the idea that while water is managed at the local level by local water utilities, its stewardship is a collective effort – shared across communities, industries, and all levels of government,” an event spokesperson said.

“It recognises that sustainable water management depends on collaboration, informed decision-making, and a mutual commitment to protecting this vital resource for current and future generations.”

Key topics on the program include drought resilience planning, funding models for local water utilities, town water security, and workforce capability development.

Sessions will also explore emerging issues such as the use of artificial intelligence in water supply planning, infrastructure upgrades, and cybersecurity risks affecting critical water systems.

Delegates will take part in site visits to key local infrastructure, including the Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant, which uses a membrane bioreactor process, and the Lennox Head Wastewater Treatment Plant, where recycled water is supplied to parts of the community through a third-pipe system.

There will also be a visit to the Emigrant Creek Water Treatment Plant, which incorporates membrane filtration alongside advanced ozone and activated carbon treatment.

A highlight of the program will be a presentation from Professor Stuart Khan, Head of School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, who will speak on the challenges of drought and flood variability across NSW and the importance of resilient, rainfall-independent water supplies for urban communities.

Professor Khan said recent decades of experience highlight the need for improved planning frameworks, noting that droughts will continue to occur and can be both severe and widespread.

He said the lessons are critical for local government engineers, planners and policymakers as they work to improve water security and long-term sustainability in collaboration with state agencies and communities.

Registrations to attend the event can be made at lgnsw.org.au.