The water gauge 2026
Leadership, workforce and digital capability will define the next decade of water
WATER GAUGE
Australia’s water sector is entering its most consequential decade in a generation.
Record capital programs exceeding $25 billion, regulated pricing constraints, climate volatility, rapid housing growth and rising community expectations are converging at once. The scale of transformation required is unprecedented.
The Water Gauge 2026 captures the sentiment of CEOs and board members from some of Australia’s largest water organisations. It reflects current sector confidence, highlights emerging risks and identifies the capability shifts required to deliver long term resilience.
This is not just a market update. It is a leadership readiness benchmark for boards and executive teams navigating complexity, scrutiny and accelerated change.
FIVE STRATEGIC
Uncover the five strategic forces shaping the sector
Financial sustainability under pressure
85% of leaders identify funding and pricing pressures as their greatest strategic risk.
Boards are being asked to reconcile short term political cycles with 50-100 year asset lifecycles.
Leadership and workforce capability gaps
64% report leadership capability gaps as their most urgent workforce issue.
Capital delivery, digital transformation and succession planning are now board level priorities.
Digital maturity as a governance issue
Half of leaders acknowledge gaps in digital and technology literacy at board and executive level. AI, predictive analytics and real time data are reshaping operational models.
Climate resilience in a price regulated world
Utilities must strengthen adaptive capacity while maintaining affordability and protecting community trust.
A sector under pressure, yet full of opportunity
Cautious sentiment signals risk. It also signals a moment for decisive leadership.
OUR SOCIAL COMMITMENT
Why this matters now
" Our commitment to attraction, retention and development of people within the industry will be critical to make sure we have the skills needed to lead our industry through this transformative period. "
- Anna Jackson, CEO, Unitywater
The problems facing the water sector are no longer purely engineering challenges. They are governance, workforce and transformation challenges.
Organisations that strengthen leadership capability, broaden talent pipelines and embed digital discipline will be better positioned to deliver capital programs, protect social licence and create sustainable community outcomes. The Water Gauge 2026 provides practical insights to help you assess your organisation’s readiness and identify where capability uplift is required.
Stephen Veness
Group Manager – Growth, Davidson
“Water organisations are being asked to deliver more than infrastructure. They are being asked to deliver resilience, affordability and community trust. The Water Gauge 2026 helps leaders understand where to focus so their people, structure and partnerships are aligned to meet that expectation.”
“Davidson didn’t just fill a role — they took the time to understand our culture and find someone who truly aligned with our vision. Their approach was thoughtful, professional, and delivered exceptional results and will con…”
Michelle Daley
Senior VP of Marketing
“The Davidson team brought clarity to a complex challenge and worked alongside us to deliver meaningful change. Their expertise, collaboration, and commitment made a real difference.”
James Carter
Executive Director
“Davidson didn’t just fill a role — they took the time to understand our culture and find someone who truly aligned with our vision. Their approach was thoughtful, professional, and delivered exceptional results and will con…”
Michelle Daley
Senior VP of Marketing
“The Davidson team brought clarity to a complex challenge and worked alongside us to deliver meaningful change. Their expertise, collaboration, and commitment made a real difference.”
James Carter
Executive Director
Strengthen your leadership. Enhance workplace performance. Deliver with confidence.
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