WHY IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Wisconsin is known for its innovative water resource, conservation, and treatment sector, and companies in that sector may be welcomed for their expertise.
Water is a huge concern in Australia, where the relatively dry and variable climate can cause persistent shortages.
From 2017 through 2019, Australia experienced one of the worst droughts in the last 100 years. The three-year stretch, which became known as the Tinderbox drought, threatened water supplies, damaged agricultural and ecological systems, and was a prime factor in Australia’s disastrous Black Summer fire.
As a result, Australia has been investing significantly in water-related projects such as desalinating systems, recycling plants, irrigation, and water supply pipelines.
The government’s National Water Grid Fund, a $2.5 billion, 10-year program, makes funding available for priority water infrastructure projects to improve the reliability and security of water—particularly for the country’s remote towns, agriculture, and primary industry sectors.
Australia spends about $6 billion a year on water infrastructure and wastewater treatment investments, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Direct capital purchases and equipment maintenance make up 20% of total spending.
Currently, 94% of Australia’s population of 26 million have connections to a main water supply. Of the country’s 300 urban water utilities, the largest 22 serve about 70% of the country’s residents. In addition, about 85% of the population is connected to a community sewage treatment plant.
Some projects currently underway across Australia include:
• A $1.2 billion wastewater recycling plant in Sydney that will provide services to 400,000 homes
• Upgrades to a plant near Perth that is expected to recycle up to 35% of all wastewater in the Perth metropolitan area by 2035 and will supply nearly half of the facility’s energy needs through biogas obtained through the recycling process
• Improvements to Wodonga’s wastewater treatment plant that will double its service capacity and capture biogas to power the plant or contribute to the area’s electrical grid
Wisconsin companies with technology, services, and advice about water treatment could find a variety of opportunities in Australia.
