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 and support Young Water Professionals in shaping a shared statement of outcomes for South Australia's water future.

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.

The Forum program will feature presentations from experienced policy practitioners, interactive discussions, facilitated networking opportunities and collaborative workshops that encourage participants to contribute their perspectives on the future of water policy.

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.

While the Forum is designed primarily for Young Water Professionals and anyone eager to learn more about 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.

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.

What to Expect:

• Why Policy Matters - an engaging keynote presentation setting the scene of the event
• The Past and Learning from Experience – hear firsthand about a successful case study
• The Present: Policy in Practice - Panel discussion featuring SA policy makers demystifying policy for us
• The Future and Shaping What’s Next – put your learning in practice and imagine the future of policy
• Networking

Why Attend:

Policy in Practice: Discover how water policy is developed, implemented and translated into real-world outcomes across South Australia's water sector.

Confidence Through Understanding: Demystify policy, understand the trade-offs behind decision-making, leave with the knowledge and language to engage confidently in future policy conversations.

Build Your Influence: Learn how Young Water Professionals can contribute to policy discussions, shape future initiatives and drive positive change.

Future Water: Explore the policy challenges and opportunities emerging from climate resilience, water security, flood mitigation and First Nations engagement.

Collaborate & Contribute: Help develop a shared YWP outcomes statement that captures key challenges, opportunities and aspirations to influence the future of water policy in South Australia.

Networking: Connect with passionate water professionals, policy professionals, utilities, government representatives and industry leaders who are helping shape South Australia's water future.

Event Details

Conference 

Registration details

For more information please contact:

Membership
Mark Jones, Member Engagement Manager | Ph: 02 9467 8413 | E: mjones@awa.asn.au