First Nations representatives and environment groups have called on governments to deliver long-overdue water justice for Traditional Owners in the Murray-Darling Basin at the second River People’s Forum held in Swan Hill on Friday.
More than 80 people attended in person and a further 120 online to listen to speakers from Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN), Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (trading as DJAARA), Yoorrook Justice Commission, as well as academic experts from the University of Melbourne and University of Adelaide.
First Nations have cared for the rivers, wetlands, fish and birds of the Murray-Darling Basin for thousands of generations, but currently own less than 0.2% of water rights. Decades of water reform have failed to deliver inherent rights for Traditional Owners and it’s well past time for real water rights and water justice.
Grant Rigney, Ngarrindjeri, Chair of Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN), said:
“First Nations people in the Basin have devoted their lives to achieving water justice, and yet we own less than 0.2% of water rights. Our inherent rights to own and manage water are constantly negated by all levels of government. The inequity must end. Our rights must be underpinned by First Nation-led legislative and policy water reform in processes we determine are appropriate.”
Brendan Kennedy, Tati Tati and Wadi Wadi, Deputy Chair of MLDRIN, said:
“We, the Traditional Owners, are the first rights holders and the first water owners of our Country. All water has been stolen from Tati Tati and Wadi Wadi people. We have access to, and influence over, zero water. We met today to highlight to the broader community how the State and Commonwealth governments deny and prevent us from having any decision making power over rights to our water. Being part of this decision making is our inherent right.”
Ben Muir, Wotjobaluk, said:
“We are Traditional Owners of the land and we’ve got to have those water rights because it’s our natural resource. Our people know how waterways work. Water is life, and we need it for everything, including nurturing and welcoming babies to Country.”
Vincent Kirby, Wadi Wadi, said:
“It was great having so many people together in Swan Hill to talk about what we want for our rivers. No matter what colour you are, or what race you come from, rivers are important. Water is Life and we need to look after it.”
Peta Thornton, stonefruit farmer and member of Sustainable Living in the Mallee, said:
“In my community, I’ve seen how those who own water have wealth and opportunities, but First Nations are largely locked out of this. Through colonisation, water and land was stolen and this injustice continues today.
“Friday was an incredibly positive day. It really gave the wider community a chance to better understand First Nations rights and aspirations, and what can be achieved when First Nations have the resources to work on these areas.”
Professor Sarah Wheeler, University of Adelaide, said:
“The First Nations water workshop in Swan Hill was an incredibly powerful event that called for water justice for First Nations people. First Nations deserve to have more of a say over water management, for their communities to have good quality water service, and for the next focus of the Basin Plan to consider cultural water needs.”
Greg Foyster, Rivers and Nature Campaign Manager at Environment Victoria said:
“Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, and also home to the world’s oldest living culture. These two facts make Aboriginal people the most experienced and successful water managers in human history, including through previous dramatic changes to the climate. We should all be listening to their leadership on how to manage water and sustain cultural landscapes in the Murray-Darling Basin.”
The River People’s Forum was organised by local environment groups Sustainable Living in the Mallee and Friends of Nyah Vinifera Park, with support from Environment Victoria, MLDRIN and Swan Hill Rural City Council Events fund.
Header image credit: Samantha James (Swan Hill Guardian)
