Geography in Conversation
As more land is developed and paved over, the natural absorption of rainwater by soil and vegetation is drastically reduced. Instead, rainwater runs over impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete, picking up a cocktail of pollutants before it enters storm drains and flows untreated into local waterways. The result is a growing, largely invisible crisis affecting rivers, lakes, oceans, and even drinking water supplies. In a natural environment, rainwater is absorbed into the ground, recharging groundwater and sustaining ecosystems. But, in built environments, stormwater behaves differently. [AIMEQUIP]
Speakers:
Professor Steven Kenway
Steven is a water leader with senior experience in research, industry, and government, developed through roles with The University of Queensland, CSIRO, Brisbane Water, Sydney Water, and private consulting. He has worked with urban water, wastewater, stormwater, and related energy and greenhouse gas issues since 1990. His work addresses urban water security, water-energy nexus, and circular economy. He creates collaborations, tools, models and knowledge to address all flows of water – and related energy - into, out of, and within cities. This enables evaluation and management of key concepts such as: (i) net zero carbon water cycle, (ii) hybrid, decentralised and integrated systems performance, and (iii) sustainable urban design and planning.
Assoc Professor Brian McIntosh
Brian is a water sector and sustainability capacity developer, educator, researcher and boundary spanner. He has significant experience in the design and delivery of applied and inter-disciplinary programs to build capacity for innovation, change and adaptation at individual, organisational and sectoral scales. As a recipient of international and national research awards and of a National Teaching Award, Brian has designed and delivered professionally targeted, problem and work-based water management and leadership programs and courses to participants from 86 different countries. This includes having led the development and delivery of water management and engineering Masters in Australia and the UK responsible for educating around 1000 graduates now working globally.
Glenn Browning
Glenn is a Senior Engineer at Brisbane City Council, specialising in stormwater management and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). With over 25 years of experience in waterway management across Queensland, Glenn has played a pivotal role in shaping sustainable urban water practices. His recent work focuses on developing innovative frameworks for waterway restoration and contributing to policy through published reviews, discussion papers, and guideline updates. Glenn is a member of Engineers Australia's Climate Risk Working Group, where he is helping to craft national guidance to support the engineering profession in adapting to future climate challenges. Currently undertaking a PhD at Griffith University, Glenn’s research explores new strategies for restoring urban waterways—bridging science, policy, and practice to improve ecological outcomes.
Each speaker will have 8 minutes to spotlight their work. During the Q&A forum the audience will have up to 60 minutes to ask questions of the experts on their research.
Light refreshments are served on arrival. This is a chance to network with colleagues and friends interested in this topic.
Please post your questions on notice to: Email questionsonnotice@gmail.com
Date: Tuesday 28 October
Time: 5:30 pm light refreshments – doors open @ 5:15
6:00 – 6:30 pm Presentations
6:30 – 7:30 Q&A Forum
7:30 – 8:00 Mingling
Place: Gregory Place, Level 1, 28 Fortescue St. Spring Hill
Cost: $5.00 for refreshments, included in registration.
Cost: $5.00 Members
$10.00 Non-Members
Free Students
