wants. Sometimes the market only wants the lowest price. BAS is increasingly selective in pursuing external opportunities that align with its standards and values. Third, BAS is investing in new capabilities that fill gaps in the water sector. These include innovationbased solutions that reduce time, cost, and risk for utilities, and then offering those services externally. For Anna Murray, the three lenses are interconnected. “When we grow alongside Barwon Water, compete selectively in the market, and invest in innovation, we’re creating a business that strengthens the region’s infrastructure while remaining commercially disciplined.That balance is what sustainable growth looks like for BAS.” LAND, WATER, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: A NICHE WITH REAL DEMAND Beyond pipes and plant, BAS maintains a significant portfolio of land reserves includingreservoir sites, easements, channels, and associated assets. What began as standard grounds maintenance has evolved into a broader environmental services capability with high relevance to councils and developers A standout example is Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) maintenance. As housing estates expand, councils increasingly require developers to build wetlands and stormwater management assets that control runoff and protect waterways. Once these assets are built and handed to councils, many councils lack the capability and resourcing to maintain them properly, creating an operational gap that BAS has moved quickly to fill. BAS now maintains WSUD sites as a speciality service for multiple councils, carving out a position in a space That requires a deep understanding of rain gardens, wetlands, vegetated swales, and biofiltration systems. The land services portfolio is also expanding into land rehabilitation and revegetation, including restoring large sites, some previously used for pine plantations, back to natural ecosystems. Where possible, these programs may support carbon sequestration initiatives, potentially generating 29 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 08, ISSUE 02 BARWON ASSET SOLUTIONS
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