Urban and  Built Environment  

The Urban and Built Environment sector encompasses the planning, design, construction, and management of urban infrastructure and built spaces, with a strong focus on sustainable water management and environmental protection. This includes urban water supply, stormwater and wastewater systems, plumbing and water fittings regulation, water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), greywater and rainwater reuse systems, and infrastructure resilience.

​

This sector is critical to ensuring that Australia’s growing cities and towns maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable water services, while supporting climate resilience, environmental protection, and overall community wellbeing.

​

Challenges facing the Sector in Australia

Australia’s urban and built environment sector faces several complex and interrelated challenges:

• Water Scarcity and Security – Population growth, urban expansion, and climate variability increase pressure on finite water resources.

• Stormwater and Flood Management – Intensifying extreme weather events require resilient infrastructure to prevent flooding and contamination.

• Aging Infrastructure – Many urban water systems require renewal and upgrades to meet modern safety, environmental, and compliance standards.

• Water Quality and Public Safety – Ensuring potable water safety, controlling contaminants, and managing greywater/recycled water systems are ongoing priorities.

• Climate Change and Sustainability – Adapting to rising temperatures, droughts, and sea-level rise while integrating sustainable water practices and supporting net-zero strategies.

• Regulatory Compliance and Innovation – Keeping pace with evolving legislation, guidelines, and best practices in water-sensitive urban design and infrastructure management.

​

How WQHN contributes solutions

The Water Quality and Health Network (WQHN) supports professionals in this sector by providing a national platform for learning, collaboration, and professional development.

Through targeted events, educational workshops, and networking opportunities, WQHN helps stakeholders address challenges, remain informed, and implement practical solutions.

​

Our events focus on:

​

• Sharing Best Practices – Covering water-sensitive urban design, stormwater management, recycled water systems, and infrastructure resilience.

• Policy and Regulatory Updates – Keeping urban planners, engineers, and policymakers informed on evolving standards and compliance requirements.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration – Bringing together professionals from local government, engineering, and water management to exchange insights and co-develop solutions.

• Professional Development – Offering workshops and seminars to strengthen capabilities in water quality management, contamination prevention, and sustainable design.

• Innovation and Technology Showcase – Highlighting new technologies and strategies for water efficiency, reuse, risk mitigation, and integrated urban water solutions.

​

Who should attend? 

These events are designed for professionals, decision-makers, and stakeholders working across Australia’s urban and built environment sector, including:

​

• Urban Planners & Designers – shaping sustainable and resilient cities through integrated water and land-use planning.

• Engineers & Technical Specialists – civil, environmental, hydraulic, and infrastructure engineers working on water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

• Local & State Government Representatives – policy, compliance, planning, and infrastructure officers overseeing regulation and delivery of water services.

• Developers & Builders – ensuring new developments align with water-sensitive design, regulatory compliance, and climate-resilient practices.

• Water Utilities & Service Providers – managing potable water, recycled water, and wastewater treatment systems.

• Environmental & Sustainability Professionals – driving strategies for water reuse, conservation, and climate adaptation.

• Regulators & Standards Bodies – ensuring safe, compliant, and sustainable practices across the sector.

• Academics & Researchers – contributing evidence-based insights on water quality, urban resilience, and emerging technologies.

• Technology & Solution Providers – showcasing innovations in water management, monitoring, and infrastructure resilience.

• Community & Industry Organisations – advocating for sustainable, safe, and reliable water systems that support wellbeing and growth.

​

By convening diverse stakeholders in a trusted, evidence-based environment, WQHN events empower participants to translate knowledge into action, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and deliver sustainable, safe, and compliant water outcomes across Australia’s urban and built environments.