On 16 September 2026, ACWEB brought together researchers, industry partners, alumni, staff and students to reflect on the Centre's achievements and explore the challenges that will shape the future of the water sector. The anniversary event highlighted ACWEB's long history of translating research into real-world outcomes.
ACWEB through the decades
Established in 1996, the Centre's research initially focussed on protecting waterways and the impact of reducing nutrients on the environment. Since then, our research priorities have developed in response to global, national and regional challenges and a need for international impact developed through practical regional applications.
Speakers reflected on the Centre's early involvement in improving the health of Moreton Bay, where growing awareness of the relationship between nutrient discharge, seagrass health and iconic species such as dugongs and turtles drove the need for new wastewater treatment technologies. Partnerships in this space helped establish ACWEB's long-standing expertise in nutrient removal and wastewater management.
The Centre’s impact is most evident in supporting the sustainable management of growth in South East Queensland, one of Australia’s fastest growing regions. The region has faced significant environmental challenges, including two major disaster-level floods, the Millenium Drought and escalating climate impacts. ACWEB has played a key role in understanding and responding to water supply and our expertise continues to deliver benefits nationally through the ARC Training Centre for Climate-Resilient Water.
In response to major infrastructure failures, ACWEB established Australia’s first dedicated sewer research program in 2008, creating a new field of research and innovation for the water industry. The project has contributed to an estimated $400 million in savings to the Australian water industry.
More recently, ACWEB has played a leading role in contaminant management research, including PFAS treatment, drinking water quality, biosolids safety and antimicrobial resistance. These research programs continue to strengthen understanding of the environmental and public health challenges associated with emerging contaminants and changing water quality risks.
Looking Ahead: Future Challenges in the Sector
A feature of the evening was a discussion exploring the emerging challenges facing the water sector.
Professor Damien Batstone, Centre Director and Emeritus Professor Jurg Keller, ACWEB’s founding Director explored the ongoing issues of climate change, population growth and the use of emerging technologies. Together, these pressures will require new approaches to water security, infrastructure planning and environmental management and long-term planning for water security.
Professor Batstone emphasised that innovation, critical thinking and strong partnerships will remain essential to solving the complex environmental challenges ahead and that that technology alone is not the answer.
Looking ahead, ACWEB is committed to working alongside industry partners to ensure research outcomes translate into practical solutions.
While the anniversary celebrated 30 years of achievement, it also reinforced the importance of preparing for the next 30 years and beyond. As Queensland continues to grow and new environmental challenges emerge, ACWEB remains committed to delivering the science, partnerships and innovation needed to support a resilient and sustainable water future.
