First Nations water interests
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this webpage may contain images, voices, and videos of deceased people.
Water holds deep significance in First Nations cultures and identities, and First Nations people possess profound perspectives and understanding of water throughout the South Australian landscape. In recognition of this, state, national, and international water policy and planning acknowledge the importance of First Nations water interests and continue to establish new relationships and build upon existing relationships with First Nations.
Our aim is to recognise and give First Nations greater influence on First Nations water interests. The water resource plans of the state identify First Nations peoples' water objectives and desired outcomes. This includes ongoing engagement in the water policy and planning processes of the SA Murray-Darling Basin.
These significant shifts have paved the way for greater involvement of First Nations people in the amendment and review of water planning across the region. Furthermore, our initiatives are influencing water reform throughout the state.
Our approach
We adopt a community-based approach, guided by protocols and self-determined structures, when working with First Nations. As part of this approach, we have partnered with First Nations through DEW programs, including providing funding for community representatives through First Nations organisations to deliver activities across the state.
Cultural Flows
While there are overlaps between Cultural water and water for the environment, there are also some key differences.
Cultural water is water managed by First Nations people to sustain and benefit their spiritual, cultural, environmental, and economic needs. While water for the environment may also support cultural environmental outcomes, its primary purpose is to keep the river system healthy by sustaining its water-dependent ecosystems, including native plants and animals, while providing benefits to communities that rely on them.
The Department for Environment and Water only works with environmental water, however there are other types of water that could have more specific First Nations outcomes.
Cultural flows have a range of other objectives that support First Nations people to improve quality of life and enable them to continue traditional practices.
First Nations water security and supply
The Government of South Australia and SA Water are progressing projects to improve water supply to regional and remote communities, including First Nations communities.
First Nations water planning and management
The Landscape South Australia Act 2019 requires that traditional First Nations knowledge is integrated into decision making, and efforts are underway to better recognise and give effect to First Nations’ water interests.
First Nations water partnerships
Some of our key First Nations partnerships, including the Aboriginal Partnerships programs in the Murray-Darling Basin and South East parts of our state.
First Nations water case studies
Case studies showcase the partnerships that have strengthened water policy, projects and on-ground works to date, and provide examples of how First Nations partnerships happen in our state.
Image: Issy Campbell at a Water Workshop, Sugar Shack.
