17th - 18th September 2025
Municipal and Solutions Hub Schedule
Using Stormwater Infrastructure to Address Urban Waterway Pollution
We contaminate rainfall twice in the urban environment, there is now a proven, at every level ‘at source’ solution to protect our water environments. Rainfall is contaminated when it lands on the urban environment and then for a second time when it enters the unprotected stormwater infrastructure. The vegetative matter that collects in drains starts to anaerobically breaks down within 3 days, where it then becomes a source of Phosphorus and Nitrogen that is so significant it has been literally ignored. Then you add the waste that accumulates in the system is the major cause of flash flooding and is providing the perfect mosquito habitat. Combined with the hydrocarbons, heavy metals, construction waste, lawn trimmings, road emulsification, tyre rubber and plastics. This contaminated waste is not only polluting our precious rainfall but also killing our receiving water environments and ocean. Even worse the world's urban water environments are now so nutrient rich they are supporting Cyanobacterial Toxic Algal Blooms almost year-round which are now considered deadly for pets, biodiversity and triggers for horrific neurological diseases such as Dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MND in humans. The ARI Stormwater Filtration Device (SFD) captures 95% of the physical waste, filters the water to 63micron with no risk of causing flooding. Most importantly the SFD keeps the waste dry meaning, We can reuse the waste, engaging with rainfall which is earth’s natural water replenishment mechanism, all using the existing stormwater infrastructure.
Building High-Performing Outdoor Work Teams
One of the biggest challenges for any association is engaging its members. Since launching a strategic plan in 2020, which introduced a fresh approach to member engagement, MWA has experienced impressive growth. In 2024 alone, our membership has increased by 31%, following a 25% rise in 2023. These figures demonstrate the success of our new strategy, which has not only expanded our membership but also improved the value we deliver to our members. This positive trend creates new opportunities for the association to broaden its services within the municipal works sector. This presentation will outline the strategy and programs MWA has used on this journey, highlighting key insights for those interested in building high-performing outdoor work teams.
Building for Growing Communities
This panel will explore how the construction industry can keep pace with growing communities.
Going Greener
This panel will explore the many ways the construction and infrastructure sectors can embrace sustainable outcomes and circular economy solutions. Discussion will cover how innovative approaches to design, procurement, and project delivery can reduce waste, extend the lifecycle of materials, and minimise environmental impact.
Sustainable Solutions
Discover how leading innovators are driving sustainability in the construction sector through smarter products, materials, and services. This panel will showcase practical solutions helping the industry reduce its environmental footprint – without compromising performance or profitability.
Smart Cities
This panel will explore the latest developments transforming our communities into smarter, more connected, and safer places to live, work, and play. Attendees will gain insights into how smart solutions can improve liveability, enhance sustainability, and strengthen economic and social outcomes.
Emerging Leaders
Join us as rising stars share their perspectives on the pressing issues resonating with the next generation of industry leaders. Attendees will gain a fresh lens on how emerging leaders view the industry, what they see as priorities for long-term success, and how their ideas can influence meaningful change.
Tech Leaders
This panel will showcase the innovators at the forefront of the technology revolution in construction as they share their insights, experiences, and bold ideas. Panellists will highlight the technologies reshaping the way projects are designed, delivered, and maintained. Attendees will learn how these innovations are improving efficiency, safety, sustainability, and collaboration across the sector.
Maintaining Connections
This panel will explore the better ways of planning, building and maintaining infrastructure that truly serves the needs of communities. Attendees will gain insights into practical strategies and best practices that not only improve efficiency and value for money but also enhance liveability, connectivity, and long-term outcomes for the people who rely on these assets every day.
Powering Productivity
This panel explores where innovation meets site efficiency, highlighting how cutting-edge tools, products, and technologies are transforming construction works across Australia. Attendees will gain insights into emerging solutions that streamline workflows, optimise resources, and support smarter project delivery.
Digitising the Worksite: From Insights to Action
This panel takes a closer look at the technology and innovations that are bringing major projects to life from the ground up. Panellists will explore how advanced construction methods, digital tools, and smart technologies are transforming the way large-scale infrastructure and building projects are planned, designed, and delivered.
Setting the Scene
This panel explores the groundwork that goes into bringing major works to life, from initial planning and design to the final product. Panellists will discuss the critical early-stage decisions and strategies that set projects up for success, ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability.
Education and Training
This panel explores how to skill the next generation of workers who will drive and sustain the construction boom. Panellists will discuss strategies for attracting, training, and retaining talent in a rapidly evolving industry, gaining insights into how organisations can prepare a workforce that is not only technically capable but also adaptable, innovative, and ready to meet the challenges of modern construction.
