NSW local government conference addresses rural water security

The 2026 Water Management Conference is being held in Ballina from 2-4 September to address water security for rural, regional, and remote communities in New South Wales. Hosted by the peak body for local government in NSW, the event focuses on the challenges of maintaining reliable, safe, and affordable water and sewer services.

LGNSW President Darcy Byrne noted that council-owned water utilities serve nearly two million people across the state. Key discussion topics include climate impacts, water quality, aging infrastructure, and population growth. The conference theme, ‘Local Water, Shared Responsibility’, includes sessions on sustainable funding, climate resilience, and emerging technologies. NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson is scheduled as a keynote speaker.