The 2024 winners of the Australia Water Associations (AWA) Tasmanian Water Awards have been announced, with TasWater’s Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant upgrade recognised for outstanding innovation.
The Tasmanian Water Awards celebrate the contribution of the Association’s members for their inspiring leadership, and innovative research and infrastructure projects.
AWA CEO, Corinne Cheeseman, applauded all the finalists, highlighting the remarkable dedication and collaboration demonstrated by this year’s award winners.
“Congratulations to this year’s Tasmanian Water Awards finalists and winners. The work achieved reflects not only exceptional skill but also a deep commitment to sustainable water solutions,” Ms Cheeseman said.
“From innovative infrastructure that supports community resilience to groundbreaking research and the dedication of our young and seasoned professionals, your contributions are paving the way for a secure water future.
“Thank you for showing spectacular leadership in tackling some of our most pressing water challenges.”
These Tasmanian Water Award winners will go on to represent the state in the national Australian Water Awards, with winners presented at the AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’25, in Adelaide.
WINNERS
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL) (sponsored by SMEC)
TasWater and Jacobs – Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
The $243.9 million Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant upgrade secures water supply for 200,000 southern Tasmanians, addressing population growth and climate-related challenges.
Completed in July 2023, the project increases capacity, improves water quality and futureproofs supply for more than 50 years, while boosting Tasmania’s economy and protecting the environment.
Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by TasWater)
Sarah Jones – Pinion Advisory
The AWA said that Ms Jones is a water industry person through and through, she is the consummate water professional and has consistently led from the front in everything she has done for the water industry and the development and mentoring of her colleagues.
Student Water Prize
Kurt Debruille – University of Tasmania
Portable IC with Dual LED-Based Detectors and 3D-Printed Post-Column Heated Micro-Reactor for the Simultaneous Determination of Ammonium, Nitrite and Nitrate
Mr Debruille has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry with a major in biochemistry. He joined the ACROSS (Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science) group at the University of Tasmania in 2022 to pursue his PhD project with Professor Brett Paull.
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Stornoway)
Josh Clark – Tasmanian Irrigation
Mr Clark is a Class 2 Dam Safety Engineer with ten years’ experience in Ocean Engineering and Project Management across Australia, Asia and the Middle East. He is a dedicated industry advocate, publishing papers, volunteering and collaborating with partners to promote best practices.
The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – CPB Contractors, UGL, TasWater, Fulton Hogan, SMEC and Stornoway – for their support of this event and these important industry awards.