South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests

A South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests will be co-designed with Traditional Owners.

The framework will identify actions to:

• Strengthen recognition of cultural authority in water planning and management.
• Secure access to water for economic, social, environmental, spiritual and cultural purposes.
• Increase First Nations’ ownership of water entitlements.
• Ensure there is a consistent approach to First Nations’ water interests within the state, while allowing for flexibility to meet individual group needs.

The identified actions will enable First Nations’ water interests to be advanced within or alongside existing water management frameworks.

The South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests will be finalised by December 2025.

What’s happening?

DEW, in partnership Landscape SA, will host a series of workshops in multiple locations across the state.

The first round of workshops will be held from February to April 2025, and the second round from June to August 2025.

Australian governments have historically excluded First Nations people from water management, which continues to affect the wellbeing of First Nations people and their ability to care for Country.

These workshops will provide a platform for First Nations people to share their insights, aspirations, and concerns regarding water management and planning, and to help co-design a framework that reflects their needs and priorities.

Community workshop locations and dates

All South Australian First Nations peoples are invited to attend a community workshop and have your say on priorities for water planning and management.

Your feedback will help us understand First Nations’ water interests, aspirations and concerns.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/advancing-first-nations-water-interests-3982093

Past workshops:

• Renmark, 14 February 2025
• Gawler, 26 February 2025
• Murray Bridge, 6 March 2025
• Port Augusta, 14 March 2025
• Mount Gambier, 17 March 2025
• Adelaide, 20 March 2025
• Port Lincoln, 2 April 2025

Prescribed Body Corporate Workshops

Closed workshops will be held with representatives of Prescribed Body Corporates.

If you represent a Prescribed Body Corporate and would like to find out more about these workshops, please email DEWWater@sa.gov.au

Past workshops

• Bordertown, 12 February 2025
• Port Pirie, 24 February 2025
• Port Augusta, 12 March 2025
• Port Lincoln, 31 March 2025

Next steps

Feedback obtained during the first round of workshops will be used to identify common themes and actions to address shared issues, concerns and aspirations.

These will be discussed and refined during round 2 of the engagement workshops.

Keep up-to-date

• Sign-up to receive updates on the development of the South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests
• Contact us at DEWWater@sa.gov.au