South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests
We are co-designing a South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests with Traditional Owners.
This page will help you:
- Learn about the development of a South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests with Traditional Owners.
- Get involved in the co-design of the framework.
- Keep up to date with the framework’s development.
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.
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.
These actions will enable First Nations’ water interests to be advanced within or alongside existing water management frameworks.
Co-designing the framework
DEW, in partnership Landscape SA, is hosting workshops in multiple locations across the state.
The first round of workshops was held from February to April 2025 and helped us understand the issues, concerns and aspirations of First Nations Peoples regarding:
- Water management and planning.
- Access to water for economic, social, environmental, spiritual and cultural purposes.
- Ownership of water entitlements.
We've compiled all feedback received from Traditional Owners into a 'what we heard' report.
A second round of workshops was held from July – August 2025 to explore ways to elevate and progress identified First Nations’ water aspirations.
Next steps
We’ll finalise the framework and submit it to the Government of South Australia for consideration.
A final engagement report will be sent to participants summarising the process, activities, outcomes and insights from our engagement efforts. It will also outline the next steps, such as future engagement activities or plans for communication and follow up with stakeholders.
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
