About Us

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the leading source of water science and wisdom for healthy communities and healthy planet.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver collaborative water research, innovation and capability building that supports public health and safeguards the sustainability of our water resources.

Our Values

Member-focussed | Integrity | Teamwork | Initiative | Agility | Results-driven

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The WaterRA Way

Collaboration is at the heart of WaterRA. Using this approach, we combine expertise and resources from utilities, universities, government agencies, laboratories and private companies to create trusted, timely and actionable water research and solutions.

Through our highly experienced Research Managers we work with our members to identify, prioritise, fund, manage, and communicate research and innovation that address the most pressing needs and challenges of the water sector in an integrated manner. Once the research is complete, we continue to maximise impact through knowledge transfer and translation.

Our approach leverages investments, mitigates risk, and taps into a body of knowledge that ensures the evidence-based decision making.

Our Objectives

Catalyse Value from Research

Co-design and deliver with our BIG team, high quality research that is trusted, timely, aligned to sector priorities and ready for adoption

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Drive and measure value creation at every step of the research life-cycle from ideation to innovation and impact

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Stimulate and facilitate game-changing research based on foresight and novel and innovative approaches

Strengthen our BIG Team

Grow both membership participation and breadth so we have the capacity and capability to anticipate and address our sector’s evolving challenges and opportunities

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Forge strong and diverse networks, and enable engagement between researchers and industry, so that the BIG team is united by trust and common purpose

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Nurture our staff and create a high performing BIG team through empowerment, inclusivity, skills development, career opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing

Endure & Thrive in a Dynamic World

Ensure our business model is attractive and has flexibility to meet evolving member needs

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Refine our business processes and platforms, ensuring they are fit-for-future, user-friendly and member-accessible

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Diversify our revenue base in order to increase our financial sustainability and enhance members’ leverage of their investment

Who are WaterRA Members

Australian water utilities and authorities
Local, state and federal government agencies
Regulators
Universities and research organisations
Laboratories and water testing companies
Specialist consultants
Consulting and advisory companies

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Our History

The origins of WaterRA date back 30 years to the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment (CRC WQT). WaterRA and its predecessor organisations represent a unique, long-standing and collaborative partnership model that benefits all sectors of the Australian water industry and the community.

The CRC WQT ran for 14 years over two funding terms from 1995 – 2008. The CRC WQT grew into a well-supported, diverse Australian industry/research network – that also built enduring partnerships with international organisations in many countries facing similar water issues…

Read detailed history

Key Documents

Constitution

Members' Agreement