G’Day USA Water forum showcases Australian capabilities

Australian expertise in water conservation, management, policy and product development is the focus of a water forum held as part of G’Day USA: Australia Week, which runs from 9-22 January.

Austrade’s Regional Director for the Americas, Grame Barty, said the Austrade organised event brings together over 20 leading Australian and US policymakers and industry leaders, and showcases products from 10 Australian companies.

“There are many similarities in water management issues being faced by Australia and the United States, and there is growing recognition in the US of Australian leadership and capability in water management and sustainability,” Barty said.

“We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest from local companies keen to attend this forum."

Panel discussions will address issues related to water scarcity relevant to Australia and the US and will consider possible methods and policies to respond to these challenges.

Austrade’s Los Angeles-based Senior Trade Commissioner Sally-Ann Watts said:

“The high-profile guest speakers include prominent US water experts Brad Udall from the University of Colorado and Timothy Brick, Chairman Southern Californian Metropolitan Water District - who provides advice to Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state and federal officials,” Watts said.

“Both US experts have first-hand knowledge of Australian expertise and capabilities, having participated in Austrade’s US water delegation which toured Australia in November last year.

The US continues to be a valuable market for Australian businesses looking to expand internationally. In 2008-2009, the US was Australia’s third largest trading partner with two-way trade valued at $53.1 billion.

G’Day USA: Australia Week is produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade, Tourism Australia and Qantas Airways. In addition to the founding partners, Australia Week is supported by the state governments of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia and around 33 sponsors.

Information on events is available on the website.