POLICY PORTFOLIO - ABORIGINAL WATER

In 2010, the Murray Lower Darling Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) and Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN), as part of the Echuca Declaration stated that:

“Cultural Flows” are water entitlements that are legally and beneficially owned by the Nations of a sufficient and adequate quantity and quality to improve the spiritual, cultural, natural, environmental, social and economic conditions of those Nations. These are our inherent rights.”

Since then the Federal Government established an advisory body the Committee of Aboriginal Water Interests to provide advice to government on Aboriginal Water Interests. The group provided an 'insights paper' designed to "present[s] a set of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander water values, principles, and actions that the Committee wants recognised and reflected within national water reform initiatives. However, we do recognise that these may not capture all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ water interests and values and we welcome comments and questions so that we can continue to advocate for water rights and advise the Australian Government to the best of our ability."

KEY MESSAGES

National Irrigators' Council acknowledges the traditional owners of country; their deep connection with land and water, and the strong spiritual obligation of Aboriginal people to care for country.

We support, recognise and value Cultural objectives in water planning as well as the use, access and management of water for Cultural objectives, within the current water management framework and market systems.

Position Statements

Key Related NIC Resources on Aboriginal Water