2026 SA Young Water Professionals Forum: Influencing Our Water Future Through Policy

Join the SA Young Water Professionals for “Influencing Our Water Future Through Policy”, a forum designed to demystify policy and empower the next generation of water professionals to engage confidently in the decisions shaping South Australia’s water policy future.

While designed with Young Water Professionals in mind, the Forum is open to professionals at all career stages who want to learn more about water policy. It will also bring together a select group of experienced water sector leaders who will share their expertise, provide guidance and mentoring, and support open discussion in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Policy plays a critical role in how water systems are planned, regulated and operated, yet many emerging professionals perceive it as complex, inaccessible or reserved for senior leaders.

As South Australia navigates significant challenges and opportunities across water security, climate resilience, flood mitigation, environmental stewardship and First Nations engagement, understanding how policy is developed and implemented has never been more important.

This year’s YWP Forum will provide a practical and engaging exploration of the policy landscape through a series of South Australian case studies presented by professionals directly involved in policy development and delivery.

Water professionals attending will gain valuable insight into past, current and future policy initiatives, exploring why policy decisions are made, how policy evolves over time, how it shapes day-to-day work across the sector, the trade-offs and constraints involved, and how individuals and organisations can influence outcomes.

A key outcome of the Forum will be the development of a shared statement capturing the outcomes YWP’s seek from water policy into the future, for consideration in current and future policy discussions.

Join us for this unique opportunity as we bring SA’s Young Water Professionals on the policy journey and explore how informed, constructive and diverse participation can help create better outcomes for the water sector and the communities it serves.