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 $755 000 plus applicable GST from the Australian Government towards the costs associated with supporting the work program. Total value of the project is up to $1 205 000. |
| Jurisdiction: | Multi State |
| Commenced: | November 2007 |
| Completion: | TBC |
About the project
The project seeks 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. The group will continue to increase the capacity of Indigenous organisations and communities across northern Australia to engage with the National Water Initiative to achieve improved water planning and management. The group will meet four times per year for three years, and will:
- make strategic decisions on research, Indigenous water policies, management models, and the economic opportunities arising from water use
- advise the Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge Consortium, Northern Taskforce and Futures Assessment Processes, and the Indigenous Community Water Facilitators Network
- develop communication material for north Australian Indigenous communities, and
- generate and endorse policy documents for government, industry, research and non-government sectors regarding best-practice Indigenous participation in water planning and management.
Project benefits
This project continues to enhance the capacity of Indigenous organisations, communities, and individuals to become more engaged with, and better contribute to water planning and management.
Progress
The Indigenous Water Policy Group is now representative of all major Indigenous groups across the north of Australia. The group continues to meet regularly to progress issues associated with Indigenous access to water resources in northern Australia. Key policy issues under consideration include Indigenous engagement in water planning process, community capacity building and Indigenous access to the consumptive pool for economic development opportunities.