The Australian Hydrographers Association (AHA) held its 2025 National Conference in Launceston, Tasmania from 12–15 May, bringing together Australian and international hydrographers, technology suppliers and related water professionals
DWER’s Hydrologic Technology Centre Manager, Michael Whiting, presented on recent upgrades to our telemetry systems used to monitor water levels, water quality and rainfall across remote sites in Western Australia. Our telemetered near-real-time data supports the department and the community to manage water resources and respond to events including extreme rainfall and floods.
Michael explained how the project team enhanced data security, streamlined fieldwork with plug-and-play cable systems, adopted lower-cost mobile networks and diversified satellite communications. The upgrades also support data collection on solar power supply and instrumentation performance, helping to quickly identify and resolve issues remotely.
Andrew Weatherburn, Supervising Hydrographer, who was on the conference organising committee, said Michael’s presentation was well received.
“These improvements reflect our value of serving to make a difference, by ensuring more reliable, efficient, and secure water monitoring that supports water resource management, communities and ecosystems across the state,” said Andrew.
Supporting water management in the South West
Also featured at the conference was a pre-recorded video by our Hydrographer Joshua Revell, who shared insights into his fieldwork in the South West region of WA.
Working as part of the South West Measurement team, Josh and his colleagues have been collecting accurate water information to support responsible water resource management in the region. Their work contributes to a broader effort within the Department, collaborating closely with our water science and planning teams and the region’s water regulation teams to inform sustainable decision-making. Against a backdrop of declining rainfall and increasing water demand, this collaboration helps ensure that water resource managers, communities and industries have access to reliable water data to guide future planning.
National collaboration and innovation
The Australian Hydrographers Association Conference is a key event for ensuring we’re keeping pace with innovations in the industry and strengthening collaboration across jurisdictions.
Andrew Maughan, Senior Manager Water Measurement branch, said “It’s essential that our hydrographers participate in these forums to ensure we’re aware of innovations that can improve the efficiency and safety of our work and help us provide more accurate data. Following their presentations, Josh and Michael were approached by hydrographers from across Australia and New Zealand to discuss common practices and issues.”
“The AHA Conference provides the opportunity to meet face to face with existing and new instrument suppliers, which is a unique opportunity for the HTC with most suppliers located in the eastern states. It also allowed me to develop stronger ties with other instrument support teams, who face similar challenges deploying water measurement technology to hydrographers,” said Michael.
Read more on the Australian Hydrographers Association Conference 2025 website.
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