CEO named for smart water project

Larry Little has been appointed the chief executive officer of the new Smart Water Facility.

The facility will be anchored by an $18 million purpose-built centre to be located at Griffith University, Gold Coast. This facility will provide a practical testing ground for solutions to the full spectrum of water supply challenges currently facing our communities and unite scientists, water authorities and cutting-edge water technology companies under the one roof.

A result of a successful application to the state's Innovation Building Fund, the facility will enable scientists, government, industry and the community to work in partnership to identify research priorities and deliver integrated, innovative and sustainable water supply solutions.

Research will focus on sustainable water supplies, safeguarding water quality, exploring alternative water sources and consumer behaviour.

Operations will be overseen by a board of directors comprising industry, research and government expertise.

"The goal of Smart Water is world-leading research resulting in practical immediate and long-term solutions," Little said.

When completed, the building will house research facilities with research programs supported by an integrating framework that will focus on issues such as risks and trends, catchment processes and flow, water budgets, and environmental implications of water recycling, prediction and modelling.

"It will provide a hotbed for innovative water science and technology projects, and the facilities to take these from a concept through to research and ultimately to a commercially viable product that will have a real impact on Australia's water crisis," Little said.