Former chair of Australia’s National Water Commission Karlene Maywald has been appointed as ‘Strategic Adviser – Water Opportunities,’ to assist South Australia’s water expertise global sales pitch.
Attending a trade delegation in India this week, the Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the new role will involve Ms Maywald in project negotiations during an earlier visit to India.
“South Australia is renowned for its sustainable water and environmental management expertise – this is highly sought after by our regional neighbours India and China,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“This trade mission is the next step in building South Australia’s relationship with the Rajasthan Government. New export opportunities are emerging in the areas of governance, irrigation efficiency, water security, water trading and capacity building of water managers.
“Under an existing national Memorandum of Understanding, South Australia water management experts will lead efforts to renew the Ganga River. Ms Maywald will be a vital player in this program.”
Ms Maywald said there are many exciting opportunities for South Australia in the area of water and environmental management, including the provision of knowledge and training.
“South Australia has enormous capacity in the water sector, particularly in the areas of research, capacity building and water planning. Organisations like the Goyder Institute and the International Centre of Excellence in Water and Natural Resources bring together strong partnerships with our Universities, the CSIRO and Government agencies.” Ms Maywald said.
“SA Water also boasts a world leading laboratory – the Australian Water Quality Centre, which has developed strong international research partnerships.
Chief Executive Officer of the Water Industry Alliance Andy Roberts said he welcomed the appointment and renewed focus on the state’s water industry.
“South Australia’s water industry will benefit from Ms Maywald’s previous experience as State Government Minister for Water and the River Murray, chair of the National Water Commission, board member with SA Water and ICEWaRM,” Mr Roberts said.
“The South Australian water industry is a global leader in water policy development, efficient irrigation, managed aquifer recharge, small scale wastewater management, water quality analysis & management and predictive analytics and modelling.
“There is growing international interest from governments wanting to engage with South Australian water experts, including California in the United States, China and India.”
“The recently launched Water Industry Alliance export strategy is aligned with the State Government’s India, China and ASEAN export strategies. It is tailored to utilise and leverage our industry experience, while helping emerging exporters to expand into new global markets.
Mr Hamilton-Smith said although India is already Australia’s third largest export market, worth more than $800 million – it has significant growth potential in services and premium products.
“More than 60 industry delegates will join the State Government’s trade mission to India from a broad range of export sectors including agricultural, arts, education, health, mining and resources, tourism, and wine sectors,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“These South Australian businesses will have a strategic advantage to attract investment, export our premium products and services, and drive job growth in this state.