Interview with Corinne Cheeseman

In this enlightening episode David Jenkins engages with Corinne Cheeseman, the Chief Executive of the Australian Water Association, in a comprehensive dialogue about the pressing challenges and innovative solutions shaping Australia's water sector. They delve into the impacts of climate change, the delicate balance between maintaining aging infrastructure and building new water systems, and the pivotal role of desalination in ensuring water security. The podcast also highlights the importance of advocating for recycled water, attracting young talent to the industry, and the influence of emerging technologies like AI in water management. Additionally, it explores Australia's global role in water management through international collaborations. This episode provides valuable insights for professionals in the water industry, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of water management and sustainability.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Challenges facing the water sector in Australia, including climate change, infrastructure needs, and workforce issues.
• Importance of managing existing water infrastructure while planning for new projects, such as desalination and recycled water plants.
• Role of desalination in providing a climate-independent water source for growing cities.
• Advocacy for regulatory changes to promote the use of recycled water for drinking.
• Careers in the water industry, the diverse opportunities available, and efforts to attract new talent.
• Corinne Cheeseman’s career journey from science to data and technology, and her current role as CEO of the Australian Water Association.
• Importance of digital technology and AI in managing water infrastructure and improving efficiency.
• International partnerships and capacity-building projects in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Pacific.
• Initiatives to promote water sector conferences focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and climate resilience.
• Future goals for the Australian Water Association, focusing on climate resilience, carbon reduction, and innovation.

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