Brisbane will host the world’s largest meeting for water practitioners and researchers - the IWA (International Water Association) Water Congress -  in 2016.

The event will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and is expected to attract 3,000 visitors, generating AUD$11m (£7m) in delegate spend.

Brisbane saw off competition from Sydney to stage the event, which was last held in Australia 10 years ago. The biennial meeting will first visit Korea and Portugal.

Tom Mollenkopf, chief executive of the Australian Water Association, said the success of Brisbane’s bid was partly due to the city’s recent investment in water management.

He said the ‘extremely enthusiastic and professional’ help from ‘team Brisbane’ coupled with the ‘outstanding support’ from the industry had made for an ‘unbeatable proposition’.

BCEC general manager, Bob O’Keeffe, said: “This Congress provides a great opportunity to increase Brisbane’s international profile as a leading business destination and showcase the city’s capability to host world class scientific events.”

Brisbane Marketing’s Convention Bureau director, Annabel Sullivan added: “Recognition of Brisbane’s deep understanding and respect for the importance of water is reflected in the City’s water sustainability focus, and our way of life which embraces the responsibilities of being the custodians of local waterways, the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay."