Photo caption: Pam Kerry, Technical Director Science, was awarded Highly Commended in the Water Professional of the Year category, pictured with Carolyn Madden, Group Manager Treatment and Recovery Services.
South East Water’s innovation in research and development was recognised by the Victorian water industry at this year’s Australian Water Association (AWA) Victorian Water Awards, held on 23 October.
In partnership with The University of Melbourne and Water Sensitive Cities, South East Water was awarded the Research and Development Excellence Award for research into irrigation for urban cooling.
The organisation’s unique Hydrotrak Geofencing System was also highly commended in the same category, while Technical Director Science, Pam Kerry, was highly commended in the Water Professional of the Year category. Student Water Prize winner Nilufa Sultana from RMIT also recognised South East Water for supporting her PhD research to develop an innovative grease interceptor to remove fat, oil and grease components from wastewater.
South East Water’s ground-breaking urban cooling project demonstrates the benefits of smart irrigation and misting of green spaces with rainwater or recycled water at Aquarevo House and Burnley.
The results found that irrigating turfgrass was comparable to the cooling effect of tree shade in Melbourne, and demonstrated how IoT devices and sensors can be used to autonomously control and create the conditions for optimal cooling outcomes.
South East Water Managing Director, Lara Olsen celebrated the win, saying it reflected the organisation’s commitment to driving innovation, protecting the environment and working with research partners to achieve tangible outcomes.
“We’re proud to see the work we’re doing with our partners recognised.
“We know that urban environments are typically warmer than regional environments, due to the built environment and reduced vegetation. That’s why we’re excited by the results of this research, which shows that maximizing soil moisture, and irrigating at times when more water will be evaporated from soil and vegetation surfaces creates a notable cooling effect.
“By challenging our thinking about traditional irrigation strategies we’re able to create a cooling effect similar to tree shade. This highlights the importance of increasing fit-for-purpose water sources – like rainwater and recycled water – to support cooler, greener and more liveable communities,” Ms Olsen said.
Ms Olsen also recognised South East Water’s success with finalists and partners at the Awards.
“We were incredibly proud to see our people and projects recognised as finalists across a range of different categories. This is a great reflection of the talent, passion and innovation in our business.
“In particular, it was wonderful to see both our Water Professional of the Year finalist, Pam Kerry, and our Hydrotrak Geofencing system recognised with high commendations, and to hear from Student Water Prize winner Nilufa Sultana about the support she’s received from South East Water in her research,” Ms Olsen added.
The AWA Victorian Water Awards recognised South East Water as finalists in the following categories:
- Water Professional of the Year – Pam Kerry, Technical Director Science (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
- R&D Excellence Award – Hydrotrak Geofencing System (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
- Young Water Professional of the Year – Ninad Dharmadhikari, Product Development Manager (FINALIST)
- Infrastructure Innovation Award – Chapel Street water main renewal project (Interflow and South East Water) (FINALIST).
The Victorian Water Awards, held by the AWA, recognises outstanding achievements of individuals, organisations and students in the water industry. Each award winner will now represent Victoria at the National Australian Water Association Awards as part of Ozwater’25 in Adelaide.
South East Water congratulates all nominees in the Victorian Water Awards and celebrates their commitment to innovation and excellence in Victoria’s water industry.
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