Unitywater Chief Executive Officer, Anna Jackson, said the Master Collaboration Agreement would support the utility’s environmental strategy and deliver at least four research and development projects over the next three years.
“Unitywater is deeply committed to sustainability and looking for opportunities to keep improving the way we deliver our safe and reliable water and wastewater services across the region,” Ms Jackson said.
“This agreement with UniSC is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate on a number of our nature-based environmental projects and turn world-class research into real-world solutions that boost performance and drive lasting environmental improvements for the community,” she said.
“One of these projects is the installation of a shellfish reef in the Pine River to determine the effectiveness and value of shellfish to filter nutrients in waterways.
The first phase of this trial saw the installation of 40 shellfish baskets at one site in the river, which is delivering an average reduction of 2.8kg of carbon and 294g of nitrogen per basket, when compared to other controlled sites.
“Other projects include establishing seagrass sites in Moreton Bay’s Marine Park to determine its effectiveness in reducing nutrient levels that enter local waterways, the use of Diatomix, a natural product that promotes the growth of diatoms, or microscopic algae, to improve water quality, and a water hammer PhD research project to better understand how changing water pressures impact pipes, which helps us better understand the potential life of the pipes we use in the network.”
Ms Jackson said the agreement would also establish industry advisory committees to ensure university courses align with industry requirements and help build a talent pipeline for local jobs.
“We’re proud to have worked with UniSC since 2014, through the provision of 21 Unitywater Scholarships, our annual Vacation Work Program, Graduate Program and research at some of our key environmental projects,” Ms Jackson said.
“This agreement provides opportunities for local students to work on real issues and nurtures a future skilled and local workforce that can build their career in the water industry,” she said.
Ms Jackson said Unitywater awarded three scholarships to UniSC students each year, including the Bright Future in Engineering Scholarship, Bright Future for First Nations Students Scholarship and the Fiona Waterhouse Women in STEM Scholarship, for female students studying in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Unitywater’s Experience and Inclusion Advisor, Bec Williams, was the recipient of the inaugural First Nations scholarship in 2022 and undertook Unitywater’s Vacation Student Program before securing her position in the organisation.
Project Manager, Isaac Huth, who received a Unitywater scholarship in 2018 and was then employed permanently, has worked on major infrastructure projects including the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme and Pine Valley Water Supply Project.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the agreement marked a significant step forward in a strong partnership.
“This extended collaboration aligns our shared goals and commitment to ambitious strategies in areas like STEM, environmental management and sustainability,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Together we can benefit our communities more efficiently, with our researchers solving challenges and harnessing new opportunities, and Unitywater’s operational efforts informing the way we teach future graduates who are bringing their skills to the sector.”
Professor Bartlett said the partnership ultimately would benefit students, customers and the wider community.
“It creates meaningful opportunities for students, from placements to casual employment during semester breaks, while giving businesses like Unitywater access to a skilled and motivated talent pool to deliver enhanced local services,” she said.
