Associate Professor Dr Guna Hewa
University of South Australia, Australia
Speech Title: Unlocking the Future of Flood Risk Reduction through Integrated Research and Practice
Abstract: Accurate flood estimation is fundamental to effective flood risk management. In Australia, the Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR) handbook, most recently updated in 2019, provides national guidance on flood estimation procedures, incorporating both flow-based and rainfall-based approaches. However, recent investigations by the University of South Australia (UniSA), particularly for regions such as the Mount Lofty Ranges, which is supported by similar findings from across the country, have identified critical limitations in the application of ARR2019. This paper presents key insights from UniSA's ongoing research into the core methodologies of flood estimation. Central to this investigation is the recognition that most streamflow estimates rely on rating curves that often extrapolate well beyond observed data, introducing significant uncertainty into flood quantification. Furthermore, the performance of industry-standard runoff routing models (e.g., RORB, URBS, and WBNM) has been shown to vary based on model structure and temporal resolution, with time step selection directly affecting both storage parameters and loss estimates. Another important finding is the inadequacy of assuming constant hydrological losses, as was done in the development of ARR2019. In South Australia, distinct seasonal rainfall patterns suggest that separate loss regimes may be needed for summer and winter events. This research, supported by the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), highlights the importance of revisiting foundational assumptions in flood estimation to improve the accuracy of design flood estimates for mitigating the associated risks and building greater resilience in flood-prone communities.
Biography of the Speaker: Dr Guna Hewa is an Associate Professor in Water Engineering and the Research Degree Coordinator at UniSA STEM, University of South Australia. A nationally and internationally recognised expert, Dr Hewa's work spans flood and low-flow hydrology, disaster risk reduction, rainfall-runoff modelling, flood forecasting, and sustainable water resource management. With over 30 years of research experience, her contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and practice in these fields—strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
She has authored over 100 scholarly works, including high-impact journal articles, technical reports, and conference papers. A dedicated mentor, she has successfully supervised 15 PhD candidates (10 as primary supervisor) and two master's students to completion and is currently supervising six additional PhD candidates.
Currently, Dr Hewa leads a major project funded through the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) titled 'Improving Flood Estimation for Mitigating Risks in South Australia,' supported by the South Australia Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM). The project tackles critical challenges in flood risk management and aims to enhance the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Regional Flood Frequency Estimation (ARR-RFFE) procedures tailored to South Australia's unique conditions.
Professor Taha Ouarda
National Institute for Scientific Research (INRS-ETE), Canada
Speech Title: Unconventional Water Sources and Water Resources Management
Abstract: This talk will focus on various unconventional water sources such as fog water, rainwater from micro-catchments, water from cloud seeding, deep groundwater, municipal wastewater, water drained from agricultural area and ballast water. The talk will discuss how SDG 6 can be met using these unconventional water sources which can paly a big role in water management in arid and semi-arid regions.
Biography of the Speaker: Taha Ouarda is professor at the National Institute for Scientific Research (INRS-ETE) in the field of statistical hydro-climatology and risk analysis. Dr. Ouarda is also Chairman of the Canada Research Chair in statistical Hydro-climatology and has acted as Chairman of the Hydro-Quebec Industrial Chair in Statistical Hydrology. He has also served as President of the National Canadian Committee on Statistical Hydrology. Dr. Ouarda holds a Principal Engineer degree in Hydrology from the National Engineering School of Tunis, and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. His research activities focus on the modeling of hydro-climatological variables, the study of the impacts of climate change, environmental modeling, and renewable energy assessment. He has developed several computer softwares that deal with a range of problems in the fields of hydro-climatology and environmental engineering. He has also led several international projects dealing with hydro-climatological modeling, environmental analysis and the links between climate evolution, the environment, and public health. Dr. Ouarda is the author of over 400 articles in international refereed journals in his eld of specialization.
Dr Kazi Hasan
RMIT University, Australia
Talk Title: Operating Cost Reduction for Water Utilities by Electricity Profiling and Demand Management
Abstract: Like many other industries, water utilities use a high amount of electricity to operate water and wastewater treatment plants and incur a noticeable percentage of their operating cost as electricity bills. This keynote will present an analysis of the electricity usage profile of a water utility and demand management strategies for cost reduction. Two cost reduction strategies will be verified in this research: (i) fixed price contract, and (ii) electricity time-of-use shifting. An illustrative case study will be presented with two years of interval data from eight selected sites of an Australian / Victorian water utility. The study results suggest that by employing the demand management strategies, up to 22% cost reduction could be achieved from annual electricity bills. The study recognises that the solution could be customised for each site based on the site-specific electricity usage profile.
Biography of the Speaker: Dr Kazi Hasan is a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering at RMIT University, Australia. He served as a Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, from 2014 to 2018 after receiving a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia. He has a strong record of establishing and maintaining industry engagement, leading to 15 research grants over the last 6 years, with a 3 million AUD grant success. He has published his research in 100+ top-class journals and conferences. He is a Senior member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), USA and a Fellow of Advanced Higher Education, UK. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, Victorian Chapter.
Distinguished Prof. Biswajeet Pradhan
University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Talk Title: Integrating AI, Remote Sensing, and GIS for Climate-Resilient Water and Environmental Management
Abstract: With increasing climate variability and growing environmental challenges, the sustainable management of water resources and ecosystems has become critical. This keynote will highlight the innovative integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) to enhance climate resilience in water and environmental engineering. The talk focuses on how these advanced technologies enable precise monitoring, modeling, and management of natural hazards such as floods, droughts, and soil erosion, which significantly impact water resources and agricultural landscapes.
Using multi-source remote sensing data combined with AI-driven analytics, we can develop early warning systems and adaptive management strategies for effective flood risk mitigation, water quality monitoring, and land-use optimization. Real-world case studies will demonstrate the practical application of these technologies in predicting and managing environmental hazards, optimizing water use, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices under changing climate conditions.
Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI and spatial intelligence tools to improve decision-making, policy development, and resilience-building in water and environmental systems. This interdisciplinary approach offers a promising pathway toward more sustainable, adaptive, and climate-resilient environmental engineering solutions.
Biography of the Speaker: Distinguished Professor Dr. Biswajeet Pradhan is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, image processing, environmental modelling, and artificial intelligence applications. He currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Modelling and Geospatial Information Systems (CAMGIS) at the Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia.
Professor Pradhan is a recipient of numerous prestigious recognitions, including being listed among the World's Most Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate Analytics for five consecutive years (2016-2020), highlighting his global influence in geospatial science. He was ranked #1 globally in 'Geological & Geomatics Engineering' for the years 2021-2025 by Stanford University researchers.
He is an awardee of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and served as an Ambassador Scientist for the Humboldt Foundation from 2015 to 2021. In addition, he was appointed as a World Class Professor by Indonesia's Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education between 2018-2020.
Professor Pradhan has authored more than 910 publications (with over 83,000 citations and an H-index of 147) and has published ten books and thirteen book chapters. He has received 58 awards since 2006 for excellence in research, teaching, and service.