The NSW stormwater industry is at a pivotal moment. For years, fragmentation and systemic challenges have held the sector back, but a new, unified movement is driving transformational change. This session hands the microphone to Stormwater 2030, the independent, cross-sector initiative dedicated to achieving world-class beaches, harbours, and rivers by 2030.

In its foundational year, Stormwater 2030 has moved decisively from identifying problems to implementing solutions. Hear about the incredible momentum built through their strategic Advocacy Program, which has forged crucial alliances with key political leaders and industry bodies like the UDIA, IPWEA, and the Insurance Council of Australia. Learn how they have supported the industry-funded SQID Taskforce which has set a new precedent for the sector stepping up to solve its own challenges, demonstrating a powerful new model for progress.

This session will also look to the future, unveiling ambitious plans to reshape stormwater management. Discover the vision for the future of a more collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to stormwater management in NSW. This is your opportunity to hear directly from the leaders pioneering this change. Join them to understand the strategic roadmap, celebrate the successes to date, and explore how you can be part of building a more resilient and sustainable water future for NSW.

Swimming in our urban rivers, lakes and estuaries is making a big comeback – but why? This panel will explore the growing community interest in urban swimming, asking whether the push for swimmable urban waterways is a catalyst for investment, and will it really influence waterway health?

Drawing on international and local examples such as the Parramatta River, Canberra’s lakes and initiatives across Western Sydney, our panel of experts will discuss how the interest in swimming is shaping policy, planning and catchment management. Join us as we unpack whether swimming is simply a liveable cities trend or a genuine driver for healthier waterways