Ortal is bridging innovation and operations to build resilience

Currently working at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant, Ortal plays a role in one of Australia’s most critical pieces of wastewater infrastructure. The plant protects waterways and Port Phillip Bay, enables recycled water supply, and supports renewable energy generation – a complex, high-stakes environment where reliability matters.

“The Western Treatment Plant plays a critical role in protecting public health, waterways and Port Phillip Bay while also enabling recycled water supply and renewable energy generation."

At its core, the work is about balance – delivering essential services while minimising environmental impact and preparing systems for the future.

BUILT ON SYSTEMS THINKING

Ortal’s pathway into water was shaped by a strong technical foundation and early exposure to the full lifecycle of water projects. With a degree in biochemical engineering, she developed a grounding in chemical, biological and process engineering – skills that translate directly into modern water treatment challenges.

“My degree in biochemical engineering provided a strong foundation in chemical, biological and process engineering principles."

Early water treatment research and development experience, as well as wastewater process design, helped connect theory with practice.

“Early roles in water treatment R&D and wastewater process design exposed me to the full lifecycle of water projects – from concept and laboratory testing through to commissioning and operation.”

This experience shaped a systems-level approach to problem solving – one that recognises that technical solutions must also work operationally, safely and at scale.

Research with real-world impact 

Alongside operational engineering, Ortal is also completing a PhD focused on sustainable treatment innovation. Her research explores microbial treatment methods that are environmentally sensitive and scalable – a critical combination as the sector responds to climate pressures and resource constraints.

“My PhD research focuses on scalable, environmentally sensitive microbial treatment methods, which directly supports climate resilience and sustainable water management."

This dual focus allows Ortal to operate at the intersection of research and implementation – a space where many promising ideas either succeed or stall.

“By combining operational engineering with applied research, I aim to help bridge the gap between innovation and real-world implementation,” she explains. “My role allows me to influence how new technologies and approaches are tested, validated and adopted at scale.”

 RCollaboration as a cornerstone

Water challenges are rarely solved in isolation, and collaboration sits at the centre of Ortal’s work. From operators and maintenance teams to scientists, regulators and external partners, delivering effective outcomes relies on shared expertise and trust.

“Collaboration is essential in the water industry. Many water challenges are complex and multidisciplinary, and collaboration ensures solutions are practical, safe and sustainable.”

This collaborative mindset is particularly important in large, operational environments like the Western Treatment Plant, where innovation must align with safety, regulatory requirements and day-to-day realities.

Shaping the future of water

Looking ahead, Ortal sees her role as part of a broader shift in how the water sector adopts innovation – faster, more confidently, and with stronger links between research and operations.

Ultimately, it’s about building systems that can adapt to uncertainty while continuing to deliver essential services.

In a sector where the impacts of decisions are felt across communities and ecosystems, Ortal’s work sits quietly but firmly at the point where science, engineering and public good meet – helping shape a more resilient and sustainable water future.