Enhancing connections between people and organisations to facilitate improved urban water outcomes
Enhancing the connections between people, and within and between organisations is necessary to enable improved urban water outcomes. In Australia, there is increasing an interest in the science and practice of more effective connections to address urban water challengers and deliver better outcomes for communities. An exploration of this work provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of effective connections within and beyond the urban water sector.
In this webinar, we discussed the value of specific connections such as between people within organisations; between different organisations; and between thinkers (knowledge generators) and doers (on-ground practitioners). The presenters’ Australian experiences, combined with webinar participants’ collective understanding of local context allowed a discussion of the relevance and transferability of this experience to New Zealand.
Improved connections are required for the integrated planning and delivery of urban water outcomes, which in turn supports multi-benefit solutions and the ability to leverage previously disparate resources. Limited resources can therefore be more effectively used and communities are more able to participate in decision-making processes and share ownership of the outcomes. Enhanced connections put water industry professionals on a shared journey toward a future that offers greater value for institutions, communities, and the environment.
Presenters
Ross Allen has a personal and professional interest in water and its role in sustaining and enhancing life. He operates in the space between academia and practice, working to strengthen links between these fields to improve knowledge transfer and support enhanced urban water outcomes. Ross collaborates with researchers and practitioners to identify, plan and implement water-management and green-infrastructure initiatives that respond to local context, enhance urban places and support the wellbeing of communities. Ross works with the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities – a co-funded Australian Government initiative that is informing planning and investment in water infrastructure and services to create more sustainable, resilient, productive and liveable cities, towns and regions.
Lindsey Beck works at the interface of water and people. She has experience from three continents brokering relationships between government, businesses and community to improve policy, planning and industry effectiveness. She currently works as an independent consultant under her company, LindseyB to advance the implementation of innovative approaches to urban water management. Lindsey is an active contributor to the industry through her leadership in industry associations in urban water management in Australia. She is the Vice-President of the Australian Water Association (Victorian branch) and serves on the Committee for Stormwater Victoria. She also writes for NGO Cleanleap on opportunities for water in less developed countries. Lindsey holds an Honours degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management, and a Masters degree in Corporate Environmental and Sustainability Management, specializing in water regulation.
When: Friday October 16, 12:00 – 1:30pm