Why we need water justice – voices from the River Peoples’ Forum

By Environment Victoria

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First Nations have cared for the rivers of the Murray-Darling for thousands of generations. But today, they own just 0.17% of water across the Murray-Darling Basin.. While rivers continue to be polluted, dammed and sucked dry, First Nations, who sustainably managed these waters for thousands of generations, are denied the decision-making power to care for them.

It’s one of the biggest environmental injustices in Australia. And yet very few people understand what it means. That’s why we worked with First Nations organisations, leaders and allies to host the River Peoples’ Forum and make this video explaining why water justice is so important, and how we can back their calls for action.

So what is water justice? And what could it look like in the Murray-Darling? Hear from Traditional Owners and allies in this great video, filmed at the River Peoples’ Forum earlier this year.

Show your support

It’s one of the biggest environmental injustices in Australia. And it’s a fight that needs allies across the continent standing in solidarity and backing in First Nations’ calls for action. Will you add your voice?

Write your message in support of water justice using the form below. We’ll be publicly displaying these messages here, passing them onto First Nations leaders, and getting in touch when it’s critical for allies to speak up.

I support water justice because ...

Slide to read other messages from our community

"Water and our River systems are the life blood of our environment and for all our communities that rely on water. Healthy rivers creates and provides a foundation for a healthy environment and community" — Margie, 3844

"Water justice is the only way to overturn aqua nullius and address the grand theft of water from First Nations. Water justice is the only pathway to legitimate water law and genuinely sustainable water ecosystems." — Erin, 3000

"Water Rights to First nations Now." — Peter, 2156

"Access to water is a basic human right. To deny First Nations people the opportunity to water rights and not enable them to be part of the management and use of the water in the areas they live is an abuse of their rights as citizens of Australia. Their shared existence for many thousands of years living in this land is evidence of their knowledge and ability to use water wisely and keep the country healthy." — Patricia, 3005

"It is critical for First Nations People and all Australians to reconcile this injustice. The rivers need all the help they can get and First Nations people looked after them for many thousand years. Two important ways is to give First Nations people a say in how our rivers operate and the second is to give them water allocation. I am an ally and will always support First Nations people in seeking a fair and equitable outcome." — Christine, 3199

"Water is life, it's so precious. We need to start taking much better care and listening to those who have taken care of it for 1000s of years." — Lucilla, 3825

"I support Water justice for the First Nations people of Australia because it is an opportunity to right the wrongs that have been imposed upon the environment and those whose sovereign right it is to care for that environment. The white man has had their turn and they have shown that they are motivated by greed and power. The river and its people have suffered greatly under this oppressive way of being.. It’s time to give the First Nations people of Australia the opportunity to reconnect with their waterways, be involved in decision making about their rivers and lakes, and bring life back to their environment and their community's." — Jo, 4500

"I know that first nations have been robbed of not only water, our land, but also our identity. Its time that we are given control of these valuable assets so that all people living in this beautiful country can benefit. We have taken care of country for thousands of years, we know how to do it without impacting our fauna and flora. We belong to country not country belonging to us." — John, 3356

"No one's water? How convenient... for colonisers. Time for a change." — Chris, 3130

"There is one thing to use with permission when you're a guest for someone., but taken it and denying the right for the owner is a pure barbaric. It wasn't ok yesterday, and certainly not today." — Hantiyeh, 3030

"As a Phd Researcher in water governance, I support water justice because everyone deserves equitable access to clean water. I'll contribute through research, community engagement, and advocacy, focusing on Indigenous rights, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Together, let's advance water justice and ensure a sustainable future for all." — Rose, 7248

"Freshwater makes up only around 2.5% of the water found on our planet. We have been treating this precious resource with disrespect as we pollute it on a daily basis to continue with our lifestyle, either directly or indirectly through our choices. The Traditional Owners looked after this water as they understood its importance for healthy ecosystems. For all of our sakes, we all need to grow a regenerative mindset and look after our home." — Bruna, 3152

"Water is life, we all need healthy rivers to live." — Wayne, 3218

"The river is family not just who we are it is our life our blood our soul some of us show disrespect. Please let the new generations not turn away from this gift it is rebirth thirst and life for every Australian we need to pass down responsibility with the utmost care for our song line country family Australia don't lie to your heart it is more than people it is survival dear custodian I may not be a warrior but my lungs will voice a war cry help our family government please rescue your brother's and sisters remember the rivers they too have story's long forgotten thankyou for our voice we need action like rain I call on us to uñite." — Nahanni nicole, 3280

"In the same way as land that is under First Nations control is environmentally managed to achieve positive outcomes, so should water management improve the rivers and their surroundings, while improving the conditions of First Nations peoples." — Gabriella, 3194

"First Nations have been robbed of their land and waters since white settlement and there must be a reckoning. As migrant to Australia we were never told the truth of the dispossession and as I learned the truth it made me determined to work towards the reckoning along with First Nations voices." — Roger, 3757

"Water should be shared fairly. I will speak to my family and friends to bring it to their attention." — Carolyn, 3204

"Its time for transformational change. I will stand with you for water justice and Traditional Owner leadership" — Julian, 3451

"I've seen the effect of water deprevation at Wilcannia since the middle of the first decade of the 21st century, both on biodiversity and First Nations people. This must be addressed if the Australian tradition of a "fair go" is to be continued by the current Australian society" — Steven, 7310

"The people who have lived with our rivers for generations should have a say in how their water is managed. Decades of overuse, pollution and mismanagement have put the Murray-Darling in a desperate position. Let our first-nations people reverse this deadly trend!" — Peter, 3195

"Water is life. Water justice is human rights." — Odile, 3032

"Traditional owners look at water so differently from individual land owners. Caring and sustaining it - not using for gain." — Jan, 3350

"First Nations people's indetity, culture and birth right; this ongoing theft is so unfair and unjust. It is plain wrong. Water is a human right too and you've got government making money on the backs of rightful owners" — Tabotha, 3146

"Potable Water is important for all life but in particular communities dependant upon now unhealthy supplies." — Jillian, 3995

"Continue the great work, we need to manage our water resources in ways that value not just the water, but the life, and culture, living water supports." — Sonia, 3072