We are proud to announce that Stormwater NSW is partnering with the ACT Government to co-deliver franc.2026. The conference will be hosted in the Australian Capital Territory, providing an opportunity to widen our professional networks.

franc.2026 will be held at the Canberra Rex Hotel, Canberra, ACT, on 28–29 October 2026.

Be franc and drive change.

This conference will showcase best practice stormwater management in both the ACT and NSW, with a focus on;

●  smart stormwater – harnessing and scaling technology
●  driving change – the mandatory shifts required to advance stormwater, waterway and catchment management
●  navigating future challenges – what are the emerging threats and how will we address them? and
●  living landscapes – focusing on ecology and community.

What is franc?

Franc is dedicated to being future-focused and fostering resilient, networked communities to tackle the complex environmental and social challenges ahead. Issues like stormwater management, urban waterways, marine environments, urban development, human health, biodiversity, and climate change are all interconnected, yet they are often treated in isolation. This separation is understandable, as addressing them together presents complex social, economic, and technical challenges. However, if we are to overcome the challenges facing us, these issues must be tackled as a whole.

Franc recognizes the importance of this integrated approach and seeks to meet the challenge by fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. No single group has all the answers, so the franc community is made up of professionals, scientists, researchers, business leaders, and advocates from diverse sectors who share a commitment to systemic change. This collaborative effort aims to design resilient cities, incorporating urban water management and blue-green infrastructure to create sustainable, humane development that mitigates the environmental risks we face, such as urban expansion, pollution, and climate change.

By advocating together for the necessary policy changes, franc aims to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for society. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with the franc mindset, we can achieve meaningful change.

In addition, the Stormwater NSW Awards for Excellence winners will be announced at a special event on Wednesday, 28 October.

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra.