Partner with First Nations peoples and develop sustainable practices that build on traditional wisdom and provide opportunities for social and economic development.
- Forging partnerships to open up more opportunities for First Nations communities to own and access water.
- Working closely with First Nations peoples to build cultural values into water planning, as well as share knowledge and grow economic and social benefits.
- Ensuring water plans and management systems consider climate change impacts on water availability and incorporate Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultural needs and values.
- Respecting and recognising Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Island peoples as traditional custodians who have cared for rivers, country, sea and sky for more than 60,000 years.
- Respecting the sensitivity and intellectual property of traditional knowledge and acknowledging the willingness of First Nations peoples to help share future water management.
Initiatives
These initiatives are underway between October 2023 and December 2024.
Our initiatives:
- Embed a state-wide approach to cultural engagement to strengthen participation of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in water planning, starting with plans under review
- Deliver First Nations water strategy in the first year by engaging with First Nations peoples on country to inform a listening report with the department and First Nations peoples
- Establish a First Nations peoples advisory group to strengthen participation in and input to water programs
- Include water initiatives in reframing the relationship plan
- Finalise a statement of commitment to set the context for improved First Nations peoples outcomes
Initiative in partnership with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation together with Minjerribah (Quandamooka Country) Steering Committee:
- Deliver unallocated water reserves to support First Nations cultural, economic, social and environmental aspirations on Minjerribah in consultation with QYAC (on behalf of the Quandamooka People).
Initiative in partnership with Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Health and First Nations councils:
- Deliver initiatives to improve water supply security and wastewater services in First Nations communities.
Initiative in partnership with Sunwater:
- Grant water allocation to Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body (DPAC RNTBC) under the Rookwood Weir Indigenous Land Use Agreement, along with other benefits in the agreement.
Queensland Water Modelling Network initiative in partnership with University of Queensland, Department of Environment and Science and First Nations peoples organisations:
- develop and implement approaches to build trust and enhance communications between First Nations people, water modelling and the community through specific funded projects:
- Githabul First Nations water modelling project
- Incorporating First Nations Knowledge in water modelling
Last updated: 17 May 2024