Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade 21st International Symposium on Health Related Water Microbiology

11 January 2023

Darwin will host the 21st International Symposium on Health Related Water Microbiology in 2023.

This prestigious international symposium will bring together the world’s leading scientists and researchers, along with water suppliers, regulators and business to discuss aspects of health related water microbiology and impacts on public health, including the safety of drinking water.

This encompasses many fields of expertise: from environmental to clinical virology, infectious disease epidemiology, water treatment and environmental health practice.

The symposium will be staged at the award winning Darwin Convention Centre from 4-9 June.

The International Water Association Symposium, held every two years, is coming to Australia for the first time.

The Symposium, hosted by Water Research Australia and Principle Partner, Power and Water Corporation, is an important platform for leaders and experts to gather and exchange scientific information about health-related water microbiology.

It is essential the provision of safe, reliable and sustainable water supply is available now and continues into the future. The challenges to ensure the safety of drinking water and environmental risks requires knowledge of new and emerging risks from pathogens, particularly from increased extreme events and with impacts of climate change.

Hosting the symposium in Darwin will ensure the Asia Pacific region, Australia and the Northern Territory has access to the latest research, knowledge and practices in health related water microbiology from leading world experts.

It is an opportunity to profile the Northern Territory and Australia’s expertise, including work by the Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University and members of Water Research Australia.

It is also an opportunity to promote the Northern Territory’s iconic landscapes, nature-based experiences and enriching culture to an international audience and showcase why we are one of the most competitive, distinctive and meaningful destinations in the world for business events.

The Northern Territory’s Long-term Business Events strategy aims to achieve $68 million in estimated delegate expenditure by 2030. Business events are high yielding with delegates spending more than double that of a leisure traveller.

The Symposium is expected to attract over 250 delegates, which will deliver an estimate expenditure of $850,000 to the local economy.

The Northern Territory Government supports the attraction of international association business events through the administration of the NT Business Events Support Fund, which offers financial assistance to organisations considering the Northern Territory for their business events.

Scott Lovett, Deputy CEO Tourism, Hospitality and Services, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

“It’s great news to see the Territory host the 21st International Symposium on Health Related Water Microbiology and a great win for us to welcome international delegates to Darwin.

“The Northern Territory is a world class business events destination that attracts thousands of business events delegates here each year.

“Our business events sector is an important pillar of the Northern Territory economy with business events facilitating trade and investment opportunities, knowledge sharing and meaningful legacy benefits whilst currently contributing over $38 million into the local economy each year.”

Peter Savoff, General Manager Darwin Convention Centre

“The Darwin Convention Centre is delighted to be the host venue for MicroWater23. Our world class venue is well-positioned within Australia’s tropical harbour city to provide delegates with the space to think and exchange ideas on the study of microorganisms and their communities in water environments.”

Darryl Day - 21st International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology, Co-Chair Organising Committee

"We are excited that world leading experts in Water Related Health Microbiology are coming to Darwin. It is an opportunity to learn and network with legends in water science and practice, and turn the spotlight on water challenges in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

“We are very keen to explore increased microbial risks presented by extreme events, which will be more frequent with climate change, opportunities in wastewater surveillance, and importantly for the Territory, the role of water-safety plans in providing safe drinking water. In planning the 5 day Symposium we are looking at opportunities for Territorians to engage with our national and international guests."

ENDS.

Media contact: 0448 698 409

Unsubscribe https://ntgovernmentagencies.createsend1.com/t/t-u-fjldukk-l-y/