The Australian Water Associations 2025 Queensland Water Awards have recognised the state’s most outstanding projects and professionals, showcasing inspiring achievements in environmental stewardship, innovation and leadership.
Announced at the Queensland Gala Dinner & Awards held at Sofitel Brisbane on 2 October, the Queensland Water Awards celebrate the contribution of the AWA’s members across research, programs and infrastructure projects.
AWA Chief Executive, Corinne Cheeseman, congratulated all the finalists and winners, noting their impressive contributions towards creating a sustainable water future.
“The dedication and innovative spirit shown by Queensland’s water professionals is truly exceptional. It’s inspiring to see their groundbreaking work recognised and celebrated,” Cheeseman said.
“Queensland’s commitment to valuing the environment, community and health is evident in the outstanding achievements of our winners and finalists. They are not just participants but pioneers in water management excellence.
“AWA congratulates these visionary water professionals and organisations who are leading the way towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.”
This year’s Queensland Water Award winners will go on to represent the state in the national Australian Water Awards, which will be presented at the AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’26, in Brisbane.
The winners of the 2025 Queensland Water Awards are:
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO) (sponsored by CPB Contractors)
Unitywater, WIS Joint Venture (Pensar, Twin View Turf and Piñata Farms), GHD and Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure – Wamuran Irrigation Scheme
Unitywater’s Wamuran Irrigation Scheme supports water sustainability by supplying high-quality recycled water to local farmers. It manages wastewater from the Caboolture South WWTP and helps achieve Unitywater’s goal of net zero nutrient discharge to waterways by 2040, while contributing to social, economic and environmental benefits for the Morteon Bay region.
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL) (sponsored by CPB Contractors)
Burdekin Shire Council, Pacific Biotechnologies Group and James Cook University – Burdekin Shire Council’s Macro-Algal Bioremediation Facility
The Burdekin Shire Council’s Macro-Algal Bioremediation Facility project is an innovative use of nature-based infrastructure, blending scientific precision with ecological design to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment. The initiative introduces macro-algal bioremediation technology, an innovative, low-cost and environmentally friendly approach, that treats wastewater efficiently while generating economic and ecological benefits.
Organisational Excellence Award
Osmoflo and other contributing organisations – Osmoflo’s South Tarawa Water Supply Project Delivers More
Osmoflo’s submission shares insights from the South Tarawa Water Supply Project. Alongside addressing urgent water security needs, this project also delivers a powerful model of how inclusive workforce development and systems can underpin sustainable public service delivery in small island states.
R&D Excellence (sponsored by Water Research Australia)
Urban Utilities, Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology – The University of Queensland, Western Australia Water Corporation, Aquatec Maxcon, Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Everyone Wins: Advancing Sludge Treatment Technologies for Customer Affordability and Environmental Benefit
Lodomat transforms wastewater sludge from a costly waste into a valuable resource. This innovative technology boosts energy recovery, reduces sludge volume, and produces Class A biosolids for safe land reuse. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, it provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for sustainable sludge management in Australia and beyond.
Regional Service Award
Trevor Dean – Executive Manager Engineering & Technical Services, Fraser Coast Regional Council
Trevor Dean is a champion for regional Queensland’s water industry, delivering exceptional leadership that goes above and beyond. Through the Local Government Association of Queensland Water and Wastewater Advisory Group, Dean gives regional utilities a powerful voice at state level, ensuring community needs are heard.
Dean dedicates countless voluntary hours to industry advancement, promoting water careers and creating sustainable solutions. He doesn’t just manage water services – he transforms them, making him an outstanding candidate for the AWA Queensland Regional Service Award.
Student Water Prize
Dr Kaili Li – The University of Queensland
Understanding and Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems in the Data Era
Dr Kaili Li’s pioneering research has transformed how the water industry monitors and manages greenhouse gas emissions. By combining real-time full-scale monitoring with hybrid modelling, her work provides actionable tools and insights that support utilities across Australia and New Zealand in progressing toward accurate reporting and net-zero emissions.
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)
Cassandra Mai – Marketing Operations Coordinator, WSP Australia
Cassandra Mai is a nationally recognised senior process engineer at WSP and a passionate water advocate. Through technical excellence, inclusive leadership, and impactful outreach, she drives innovation and sustainability across Australia’s water sector. Her dedication to mentoring, volunteering, and community engagement makes her a standout leader shaping the future of water.
Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by KSB Australia)
Sarah Wheeler – Practice Leader – Water, Aurecon
Sarah is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, an ICE professional reviewer and RPEQ assessor, and past AWA Tasmanian committee member. She is a passionate advocate for the water industry, diversity and inclusion and is an active mentor who takes pride in supporting young female engineers.
Distinguished Service Award
Dr Sandra Hall – Chief Executive Officer, Water Stewardship Asia Pacific
Dr Sandra Hall has been on AWA and IWA Committees since joining the IWA Australia Branch as the Young Water Professional representative in 2003.
Amidst her 22 years of continuous committee service, she has been involved in the management of over 20 international conferences and 10 national conferences, has received an IWA Fellowship, was QLD Branch President from 2016-2018 and a Director of the Association from 2019 – 2025.
Notwithstanding these significant contributions and her commitment as a mentor, perhaps some of Sandra’s most impactful work has come from her passion as an advocate for diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our industry at all levels, setting up and contributing to multiple forums to foster not just a great level of diversity but also a greater sense of inclusion in the industry.
AWA congratulated all the award finalists and winners.
