Brisbane presents united front to win major international water congress

Brisbane has won the right to host the world's largest meeting for water practitioners and researchers - the prestigious International Water Association (IWA) Water Congress and Exhibition which is to be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2016.

The announcement was made last week at the International Water Association's Governing Assembly Meeting in Vienna.

Brisbane beat Sydney in a tight contest to host the coveted six-day event, expected to attract 3,000 international water professionals while delivering an economic boost to the Queensland economy of $11 million.

A motivated and united 'Team Brisbane' which included the city's industry partners led by Events Queensland, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and Brisbane Marketing with additional support from Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management and Queensland universities, presented a sophisticated and comprehensive case.

The IWA Water Congress was last held in Australia ten years ago and provides Brisbane with extensive opportunities to showcase world standard research and management practices in water and water conservation.

Australian Water Association Chief Executive Tom Mollenkopf said the selection of Brisbane as the host city for the Congress recognises the leading edge work that has been conducted in water management in Queensland and across Australia in recent times.

Mollenkopf explained that "with around 3,000 mostly international delegates the Congress will deliver an incredibly stimulating and vibrant event to Brisbane," adding that it will also provide an unparalleled opportunity to maintain an international dialogue in water management matters where Australia has carved an enviable global reputation.

Mollenkopf praised the "extremely enthusiastic and professional" 'Team Brisbane' effort as well as what he described as the outstanding support from the sector, going on to state that "this made an unbeatable proposition which the Australian Water Association was able to offer the world."

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager, Bob O'Keeffe said this latest major win reinforces the great outcomes for Brisbane where industry partners and stakeholders unite in the presentation of an international bid, particularly when it involves Brisbane's key sector strengths.

O'Keeffe stated "this Congress provides a great opportunity to increase Brisbane's international profile as a leading business destination and showcase the city's capability to host world class scientific events."

Brisbane Marketing's Convention Bureau Director, Annabel Sullivan added "this win is significant to Brisbane, Australia's new world city because water is the precious natural resource that is integral to our lifestyle. Recognition of Brisbane's deep understanding and respect for the importance of water is reflected in the City's water sustainability focus, and our way of life which embraces the responsibilities of being the custodians of local waterways, the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay."

The IWA World Water Conference rotates to regions of the world and has previously been held in Beunos Aires (1999), Paris (2000), Melbourne (2002), Marrakech (2004), Beijing (2006), Vienna (2008) and Montreal (2010). It will be held in Busan (2012) and Lisbon (2014).

The IWA is a professional association for the water industry worldwide and has approximately 10,000 members in 130 countries.