In the complex world of climate change and population growth, water professionals can no longer focus on a single aspect of water management. Solving water-related problems requires technical and scientific expertise, and greater understanding and integration of environmental, social and political factors.

The International WaterCentre (IWC) provides education and training, applied research and expert services to promote a whole-of-water cycle approach and develop capacity in integrated water resource management around the world.

Our strength is in collaboration

A joint venture of four leading Australian universities with national and international knowledge networks, the IWC provides a breadth of expertise and experience rarely found in a single organisation.

The IWC`s partners are the South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership and the International RiverFoundation, and it is supported by the Queensland Government.

Access to leaders in integrated water management

We draw from some of the best and most experienced researchers and practitioners in relevant disciplines to design solutions to current and future water management challenges.

What makes us unique

The three areas of IWC business—education and training, applied research and expert services—are intricately linked and draw from each other to promote best practice in integrated water management.

The IWC applies the latest research from member universities in our education programs. Our graduates use their knowledge and skills in their work as experts in integrated water management, and in turn raise new questions for research.

Areas of water resource management expertise

emerging trends in water management
science of water
water, sustainability and development
water governance and policy
river basin and aquatic ecosystem health
river basin management
capacity and community development
water planning and economics
legislation, water reform and regulatory tools
water supply management
wastewater management
wastewater recycling and purification
groundwater management
water and climate change

Australia`s water management expertise

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. It is a country whose water resources are highly susceptible to changes in temperature and the hydrological regime.

In the last decade Australia has experienced some of its most severe droughts on record, which has led to reduced water availability and high level water restrictions in many of its population centres.

This crisis has inspired a new level of collaboration and progressive policy-making in the Australian water industry. It has resulted in the development of significant expertise and new strategies in all aspects of water conservation, from water recycling to catchment and ecosystem health restoration, systems integration, the design of smart water technologies and water sensitive urban design.

The Australian water industry is globally respected for its knowledge and technical capability in a diverse range of water management practices, and Australian research efforts are increasingly recognising the importance of integrating different disciplines for more effective water policy.

International WaterCentre (IWC) services

Consultancy in Water Management