Water Transition

SA River Murray Communities Water Transition Program

RDAMR Regional Alliance Summit 2024

We Asked You…

How do we create a strong foundation to drive this initiative’s success?

How can we help stakeholders see the initiative’s value while building lasting governance and funding structures?

What essential physical and social assets are needed to drive the initiative’s success and create new opportunities?

How can we leverage existing community resources to strengthen support and maximise sustainable impact?

We Heard…

Water Transition Outcomes

Demonstrating Value & Building Governance

The Waterbank trust concept provides a transparent framework for managing water resources, fostering community trust and collaboration. SA Water plays a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities across the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) and South Australia, particularly in enabling industry, housing development and economic growth. Transparency in MDB water usage is essential to build stakeholder confidence and ensure sustainable resource allocation. A coordinated approach between state agencies like PIRSA and local stakeholders is critical; PIRSA’s business case aims to identify and prioritise initiatives, while State and Federal governments must collaborate to secure a robust funding envelope. Regional stakeholders must align their efforts, advancing proposals both in partnership with and independently of government.

Essential Assets for Success

Key assets include SA Water’s infrastructure and expertise, which are vital to delivering water solutions that support housing and industry. The Waterbank trust offers a mechanism to pool community and private sector contributions, supplementing government funding. PIRSA’s business case and priority initiatives provide a strategic roadmap for addressing water challenges, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with regional growth needs. Existing transport and industrial hubs, combined with innovative water delivery systems, will strengthen the region’s capacity to meet the demands of residents. Leveraging collaborative efforts among councils, industry groups, and communities ensures an integrated approach to infrastructure planning and investment.

Maximise Sustainable Impact

Transparency and collaboration are essential to achieving long-term sustainability. SA Water’s expertise, combined with PIRSA’s strategic guidance, will allow the region to optimise water use and ensure equitable distribution. The program can further drive economic growth by demonstrating how water infrastructure unlocks potential for new housing developments, industrial expansion, and agribusiness opportunities. Pilot projects that highlight successful community investments and align with circular economy principles can inspire broader participation. A unified regional approach, independent of government where necessary, can ensure that the program maintains momentum and delivers tangible outcomes.

Facilitators:

Rachel Barratt – Barratt Mollison Consulting Group
Ben Fee – Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland

Summary

The South Australian River Murray Communities Water Transition Program is a transformative initiative addressing the region’s water infrastructure needs through collaboration, transparency and innovation. By leveraging the work of PIRSA in developing a whole of government business case and seeking transparency on SA Water MDB water use and future planning, the program ensures sustainable growth and equitable resource management. A combined focus on government partnerships and independent regional progress positions the region as a leader in unlocking the economic, housing, and industrial potential of the Murray-Darling Basin.