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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 was held from February to April 2025, and the second round will be held 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

The first round of community workshops were held across the state, inviting all South Australian First Nations peoples to have a say on priorities for water planning and management.

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
Online, 29 April 2025
Online, 30 April 2025

Prescribed Body Corporate Workshops

Closed workshops were held with representatives of Prescribed Body Corporates.

If you represent a Prescribed Body Corporate and would like to find out more, 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
Ceduna, 8 April 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