Over the past five years Australia has witnessed several extreme events including bushfires, droughts, fish deaths and widespread flooding. There is scientific consensus that extreme weather events will become more frequent with changing climate. The challenge for water practitioners is how to plan for a more extreme present and future while dealing with deep uncertainties.
These challenges bring more uncertainty to managing our water resources, human safety and the ability to continue and protect our ecosystems. Collaboration, innovations and excellent engineering practice will need to come together to ensure resilient communities in years to come.
The aim of the 2023 Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium (HWRS 2023) is to improve our understanding of the inherent complexity of water sources, hydrologic and ecologic systems in uncertain times and will seek to drive innovative technologies and solutions for this grand challenge.
Welcome message from the Chair
On behalf of the organising committee and the National Committee on Water Engineering, I’m delighted to invite you to Sydney for the 41st HWRS. The theme for 2023 is ‘Living with extremes’.
HWRS 2023 will attract a diverse range of high-quality papers that will be presented as podium and poster presentations. Over the three days of the symposium, delegates will report on topics covering the spectrum of engineering hydrology (science to application) and the progress made in understanding the uncertainties facing water resources managers now and in the coming decades. This will provide insight on dealing with these challenges from all perspectives.
The symposium will also include the hydrologic games where the states and territories will compete for the coveted Cumec trophy.
We’re now open for abstracts and welcome proposals for oral and poster presentations. Abstract submissions may be in the form of a full paper, extended abstract or poster presentation.
We look forward to seeing you in Sydney in November.
Monique Retallick
Chair
Conference organiser
Arinex
Suite 22.01, 44 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9265 0700
[email protected]
The 2023 Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium (HWRS 2023) is now open for abstracts.
This is an opportunity to present your work and ideas and have it form an important part of HWRS 2023. Your abstract needs to fit one of the following themes:
- hydrology
- flood forecasting
- integrated water resources planning and management
- floods - risk assessment, planning and management
- urban water management
- ecosystem responses
- responding to climate change
- hydro-informatics and data analytics
- groundwater
- informing policy and operational decisions
- education and training.
Review the HWRS 2023 abstract submission guidelines and the speaker and author agreement before you submit an abstract using the submission template.
Authors can submit multiple abstracts however they may present two abstracts only. Abstracts can be in the form of a full paper, extended abstract or poster presentation.
PhD students and academics have the option to submit extended abstracts instead of a full paper if they plan to publish their research in a scientific journal.
The deadline for abstract submission is 11.59 PM AEST Friday 2 June.
All abstract submissions will be peer reviewed by the HWRS Scientific Committee. The committee may accept or reject abstracts and their decision is final.
We’ll advise of the outcome of abstract submissions on Friday 30 June.
Submit your abstract by 11.59 PM AEST Friday 2 June.
We'll let you know if your abstract has been accepted and what you need to do next.
The 2023 Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium (HWRS 2023) will be held in Sydney, Australia.
Host city
Built around the largest, most spectacular harbour in the world, Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in the southern hemisphere.
As the largest and oldest city in Australia it’s home to over 4.5 million people plus the iconic, heritage-listed Opera House.
There’s a lot to do in Sydney too. You can spend time enjoying the golden beaches, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting the historic Rocks area or having a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach. The city also offers a variety of high-end shopping experiences, fine restaurants, chic bars and beautiful parks.
There’s much to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city too, including a ferry ride to Manly or a trip to admire the Blue Mountains and watch for native wildlife in the surrounding national parks and protected bushland.
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city, a major industrial, business and commercial centre that's endlessly fascinating in its variety and beauty – make sure you make the most of what it has to offer.
Here are some useful links to help you best plan your time when you are visiting Sydney:
- A guide on Sydney including options for various itineraries
- General information about Sydney
- Travel information for getting around
- Visit BridgeClimb to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Come and say G’Day
Read TimeOut or Concrete Playground to find out what’s happening while you’re in town.
The National Committee on Water Engineering (NCWE) plays an important role in promoting engineering excellence and the contribution water engineering makes to the community and in supporting our developing professionals.
Our award and orations program seeks to identify, recognise and reward outstanding achievement, eminence in the practice of engineering and conspicuous service to the profession.
The following awards and orations will be celebrated and awarded at HWRS 2023.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame honours individuals who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the water engineering profession in Australia.
GN Alexander Medal
Th GN Alexander Medal for Hydrology and Water Resources is awarded to the author of the best paper in hydrology or water resources published in an Engineers Australia publication over the period from and including the previous HWRS.
Munro Oration
The Munro Oration is delivered by an eminent speaker in the field of hydrology and water resources. It is jointly sponsored by Engineers Australia, the Canberra Hydrological Society and the South Australian Hydrology Society.
Student Scholarships
The NCWE Student Scholarship award encourages young engineers to become members of Engineers Australia and to pursue a career in water engineering. The winners each receive attendance to HWRS. Nominations are now open.
Hydrological Games
The John Burton Cumec Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Hydrological Games.
The HWRS 2023 committee is made up of expert volunteers, Engineers Australia volunteers and industry experts who support the successful delivery of the conference.
The committee members are:
- Monique Retallick – Chair
- Chris Thomas – Vice Chair
- Scott Button – Treasurer
- Brendan Berghout – Keynotes
- Rhys Thomson – Workshops
- Mark Babister – Committee/Games
- Ian Rowbottom – Committee/Games
- Parissa Ghanem – Committee member
- Marlene van der Sterren – Sponsorship
- Sabina Lohani – Sponsorship
- Alice Mumford – Committee member, Engineers Australia
Scientific committee members:
- Behzad Jamali – Scientific Committee Chair
- Stefan Felder – Scientific Committee Vice Chair
- James Ball
- Edoardo Daly
- Ana Deletic
- Fiona Ling
- George Kuczera
- Michael Leonard
- Leanne Pearce
- Brett Phillips
- Ashish Sharma
- Conrad Wasko