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Our Water Future Summit 2026
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Bringing people together to help shape the Water Allocation Plans
The Eastern and Western Mount Lofty Ranges Water Allocation Plans are being updated to respond to changing conditions, including increasing demand for water, variable rainfall and competing water needs.
As part of the amendment process, we're bringing together people from across the region to help identify priorities for future water management and establish a Community Design Group that reflects a broad range of community interests and experiences.
Whether you are a land manager, water licence holder, environmental advocate, First Nations community member, or young person, your perspective can help shape the conversation.
Read the Board's Statement of Commitment to understand how community input from the Summit will be used throughout the process.
Event details
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Venue: Hahndorf
Registrations close: 8 November 2026
Note: Because places at the Summit are limited, registering your interest does not guarantee a place at the Summit. Participation will be determined through a democratic lottery process managed independently by DemocracyCo.
Why are the Water Allocation Plans being updated?
A review of the Water Allocation Plans found that the current plans are no longer suited to the region's changing conditions and need to be updated.
Managing water resources fairly and sustainably requires balancing environmental, social, cultural and economic needs. The Board is committed to ensuring community voices help inform this work and contribute to future decision-making.
The Our Water Future Summit
The Our Water Future Summit is a key milestone in the Water Allocation Plan amendment process.
Building on the Water Allocation Plan review, fairness interviews, Catchment Conversations and broader community input, the Summit will bring together people from across the region to identify priorities for future water management and help shape a Community Design Group.
The Summit will be independently facilitated by DemocracyCo.
Updating the Eastern and Western Mount Lofty Ranges Water Allocation Plans is a multi-year process that will continue through to 2030. The Summit is one step in this broader journey, building on work already completed and helping inform future stages of the Water Allocation Plan amendment process.
The timeline below outlines the work completed so far, activities currently underway and the steps still to come before updated Water Allocation Plans are finalised.
2023 | Water Allocation Plan reviews undertaken
Community members, stakeholders, industry, leaders, scientists and First Nations partners were engaged as part of reviews of the existing Water Allocation Plans.
2024 | Review findings published
The reviews found the existing Water Allocation Plans are no longer fit for purpose. Findings identified that some water science information is now outdated and that updated policy and principles are needed to better manage current and future demands on water resources.
2025 | Project scoping and water science investigations commenced
Project planning was undertaken and a three-year program of water science investigations commenced to help inform future planning.
2026 | Catchment Conversations and community engagement
Throughout 2026, community members have been invited to participate in Catchment Conversations across the region. These conversations explored community values, local water issues and future challenges and opportunities for water management.
The three-year water science investigations also continue.
October-November 2026 | Community Survey
Community members are invited to share their views on priorities for future water management through a region-wide survey.
The survey will help identify the issues, values and outcomes that matter most to the community and will provide important input to the Summit.
November 2026 | Water, Country and Culture – On-Country Learning Experience
Summit participants will be invited to take part in an On-Country learning experience in the Lower Murray region ahead of the Summit.
Led by Ngarrindjeri representatives alongside local landholders, the experience is designed to broaden participants' understanding of water and Country through cultural, historical and contemporary perspectives.
Participants will have the opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on First Nations connections, knowledge and responsibilities relating to water and Country, helping build a broader understanding that can inform later Summit discussions.
This is a learning experience rather than a consultation activity and is intended to support respectful, informed and inclusive deliberation throughout the broader Water Allocation Plan amendment process.
November 2026 | Our Water Future Summit
Approximately 100 participants from across the region will come together to identify priorities for future water management and help shape a Community Design Group.
The Summit is designed to bring together a broad range of perspectives and experiences from people who use, value and rely on water across the Mount Lofty Ranges.
2027 | Community Design Group
The Community Design Group will explore the priorities emerging from the Summit alongside available science, stakeholder input and technical expertise.
The group will help identify and consider potential approaches and options for future water management.
2027 | Water Allocation Plan advisory committees
Advisory committees will continue to provide advice on policy issues, approaches and options.
2028 | Development of draft Water Allocation Plans
Draft Water Allocation Plans will be developed, supported by ongoing engagement with community and industry and the completion of water science investigations.
2029 | Formal public consultation
Draft Water Allocation Plans will be released for formal public consultation, providing another opportunity for community input.
2030 | Updated Water Allocation Plans finalised
The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board will finalise the updated Water Allocation Plans and present them to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water for adoption and implementation.
Why get involved?
Whether you're a water licence holder, land manager, environmental advocate, First Nations community member, young person or simply someone who cares about the future of the region, your perspective is welcome.
The Summit is not about having all the answers. It's about bringing together people with different experiences, interests and values to discuss what matters most for the future of water management in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Share their experiences and perspectives
- Hear from others with different views and interests
- Learn more about the challenges facing water management
- Help identify priorities for future discussion and investigation
- Inform the next stages of the Water Allocation Plan amendment process
We also encourage younger people (18-30 years) with an interest in the future of the region to get involved. If you know someone who may be interested, please forward this invitation
No prior experience with water planning is required.
How participants will be selected
We are seeking a broad mix of people and perspectives from across the Mount Lofty Ranges region.
Because places at the Summit are limited, participation will be determined through a democratic lottery process managed independently by DemocracyCo.
The lottery process is designed to help ensure a broad range of community perspectives are represented, including different interests, experiences and locations across the region.
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a place at the Summit.
Can't attend the Summit?
We would still like to hear what's most important to you through the community survey
Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Statement of Commitment
The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, in partnership with Watertrust Australia, is embarking on a community-led process to ensure the people of the Mt Lofty Ranges have a meaningful role in establishing fair and workable water allocation plans (WAPs).
The process begins with the Our Water Future Summit during which outcomes sought by the community for the WAPs will be used to inform scientific targets, and identify and assess water sharing options.
The Community Design group will undertake a deep dive into water sharing, explore options and develop recommendations for future water management. These insights and recommendations will reflect community views and priorities. A second Summit and broader engagement will provide the opportunity for the community to indicate their preferred solutions. The contributions of the community through this process will be advisory, and will be critical to shaping outcomes.
This process will ensure the Landscape Board can make decisions that, to the maximum extent possible, honour the priorities and preferences of the Mt Lofty Ranges community, to maintain the long-term sustainability of water resources for present and future generations.
Stay up to date
Fill in your details below to receive updates on the Water Allocation Plan amendment process, including opportunities to get involved and key project milestones.
About the Our Water Future Summit
The 'Our Water Future Summit' is being delivered by The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, with support from Watertrust Australia and DemocracyCo.
Watertrust Australia is the independent convener for this process, working closely with the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board and DemocracyCo to bring stakeholders and the community together to inform regional water planning.
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