Positioning water research in a changing policy and funding landscape
The start of the year has been marked by a number of review findings and review announcements that have the potential to influence research prioritisation and funding across Australia. These developments are highly relevant not only for the wider research sector, but also for the ongoing investment in research by the water sector.
Ongoing investment in research is critical to the future of the water industry. Research enables current and emerging challenges to be addressed with robust science, supporting effective policy and planning and delivering environmental, social and economic benefits many times greater than the original research investment.
For this investment to be sustained, it must be supported by funding pathways and policy settings that recognise the essential role of water and water research. WaterRA is committed to ensuring that the voice of the water sector — and the importance of research — is clearly heard within current review and reform processes.
Water is ubiquitous and essential across all industries and sectors. If the water sector is not vocal and visible, our research priorities risk being overlooked among more clearly defined and well-known industries.
Representing the water sector in national reform processes
WaterRA is actively engaging in these processes on behalf of our members to ensure that:
- The water industry is recognised as a key national research sector
- Water research is prioritised within grant and funding schemes
- Policy reviews and updates support and enable ongoing investment in R&D by our members
Ambitious Australia Report – Review of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development
The Ambitious Australia report was recently released as the outcome of the Australian Government’s commissioned 2025 review of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD).
WaterRA made a direct submission to this review and also contributed to the submission prepared by Cooperative Research Australia. Our submission proposed four key, interconnected themes:
- Speed and flexibility
- Complexity and clarity
- Cross sectoral opportunities and avoiding duplication
- Investment in scaleup
WaterRA broadly welcomes the report and its recommendations and believes that further discussion, clarity and action planning are now required to translate the findings into meaningful outcomes.
We continue to invite feedback and input from our members and will remain actively engaged as the government considers next steps.
Members can read more in the WaterRA news article providing further commentary on the Ambitious Australia recommendations.
National Water Reform 2026
On 27 March 2026, the Productivity Commission announced a review of the National Water Initiative, with submissions due by 24 April 2026.
WaterRA is working in collaboration with GHD to prepare a submission within this demanding timeframe, ensuring the importance of research to the long-term future of the water industry is clearly articulated.
In parallel, a review of the Commonwealth Water Act 2007 was announced in March 2026, with consultation open until July 2026.
As governments revisit market settings and regulatory frameworks, there is a critical opportunity to re-anchor reform in robust research, innovation and science-based policy. Together, WaterRA and its members can help strengthen the visibility and influence of research within Australia’s water governance architecture, building a compelling evidence base to support sustained investment and ensuring research is clearly reflected in key legislative, regulatory and policy instruments.
Let’s continue the conversation
If you would like to discuss any of these matters, or other topics, please contact the WaterRA team, speak with your local Research Manager, or book a meeting directly with the CEO.