Indigenous water policy group
Project details
| Objective: | To provide funds to continue the work of the Indigenous Water Policy Group that was established one year ago with funding from Land and Water Australia. |
| Funding: | Up to $1.983 million plus applicable GST from the Australian Government towards the costs associated with supporting the work program. |
| Jurisdiction: | Multi State |
| Commenced: | November 2007 |
| Completion: | July 2012 |
About the project
The Indigenous Water Policy Group has been operating since 2006, and has been funded by the Commission since 2007. It provides research-based policy advice on water reform initiatives as they affect Indigenous communities and their land holdings.
It also provides advice and representation on all matters concerning water resources - including social, economic, environmental and cultural interests - and assists with the appropriate engagement of Indigenous interests in regional water planning in north Australia.
Membership comprises independent Indigenous water experts and regional land council representatives. It is supported by an Advisory Group made up of researchers from a number of institutions and the Policy Engagement Group (PEG) which is made up of state, territory and federal water agency representatives.
The objectives of the Indigenous Water Policy Group are to:
- improve Indigenous awareness of water reform to inform decisions on water planning and management
- conduct research relating to Indigenous rights, responsibilities and interests in water resources in northern Australia
- work with governments to implement policy so that Indigenous rights, responsibilities and interests in water resources are recognised
- ensure that the policy approach is consistent across northern Australia.
Project benefits
Continued funding of the Indigenous Water Policy Group will allow it to continue to:
- provide research outcomes from selected catchment area case studies in the north of Australia
- produce a series of issues paper on the economic, social and cultural implications of the NWI on Indigenous people in the north
- provide policy documents for government, industry, research and non-government sectors on a range of issues
- offer advice to national and international Indigenous groups.