The Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a trade mission to Israel led by NSW Minister for Water & Regional Development, The Hon Phillip Costa.
The mission included 30 key influencers in policy, academia and business including Katrina Hodgkinson MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Dr Ian Chessell, South Australia Chief Scientist, and Robyn McLeod, South Australian Water Security Commissioner.
Over an intensive week in Israel, the delegation met with key Israeli policy makers and business innovators, such as in desalination, water reclamation, solar and wind energy, and low carbon technologies.
One of the week’s highlights was the opening of a unique bio-filtration plant in Kfar Saba which enables run off rain water to naturally cleanse itself through a reed pool to replenish the aquifer. This project is based on unique intellectual property developed at Monash University and supported by JNF as an important contribution to Israel’s environmental future.
Combined with hearing about the local geopolitical situation and visiting the old city of Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea and Galillee, one of the delegates commented that the mission was a ‘life-changing experience’. As various business opportunities and collaboration emerge from this mission, both countries will benefit and the longstanding bilateral relationship will be strengthened.
Australia and Israel share many common challenges relating to water security, sustainability and alternative energy and, more importantly, business opportunities for these sectors!