First Nations and water

Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a significant and deep connection to land and waters.

With this comes a wealth of cultural knowledge that can be used to better protect and manage natural resources across Central Queensland. Therefore, it is vital that cultural knowledge, as well as cultural, environmental and economic significance and aspirations of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples are incorporated into water plans.

Our water plans aim to support water-related cultural values of First Nations peoples in the area and to help them achieve their social and economic aspirations.

The current water plans include outcomes for supporting water-related cultural values to support the economic and social aspirations of communities and for the Fitzroy and Boyne water plans area’s First Nations peoples. The Fitzroy Basin water plan has reserves of unallocated water which may be accessed by First Nations people in the area.

However, the latest Minister’s performance assessment reports for the Fitzroy Basin (PDF, 3MB), Boyne River Basin (PDF, 1MB) and Calliope River Basin (PDF, 2MB) water plans state there is a need for further engagement with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to better understand current and emerging cultural water needs in the areas.

The review of the Fitzroy Basin water plan started in 2022. We have been talking and listening to First Nations peoples in this region to ensure we have a better understanding of cultural water needs and social and economic aspirations. This work will continue and expand as we review water planning across the larger CQ area and will result in dedicated cultural outcomes in the new water plan/s and inform the settings for future Indigenous unallocated water reserves.

The consultation with First Nations groups that has occurred so far within the Fitzroy Basin plan area will be considered for the CQ water plan.

More information

View the latest Minister’s performance assessment reports:

• Fitzroy Basin water plan (PDF, 3MB)
• Boyne River Basin water plan (PDF, 1MB)
• Calliope River water plan (PDF, 2MB)