Aboriginal Freshwater Interests

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The Productivity Commission’s review of National Water Reform​ found that current water planning, management and service delivery arrangements do not effectively account for water access aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NRE Tas recognises we are at the beginning of a learning journey to understand Tasmanian Aboriginal people's interests and connections to freshwater systems and has developed an engagement approach based on discussions with Tasmanian Aboriginal people and organisations. This approach provides fundamental steps and principles to build relationships and recognise cultural values and knowledge in future management of lutruwita / Tasmania’s freshwater resources. 

NRE Tas are continuing to learn, talk and work with Tasmanian Aboriginal people about freshwater to build relationships and better understand important issues, cultural values and practices, while discerning community priorities and partnerships.

In 2023, NRE Tas shared the Tasmanian Aborig​inal Freshwater Interests: What are we learning? report with the Aboriginal community. The report outlines what NRE Tas learnt through this engagement.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Freshwater Interests artwork by Nina Morris

Tasmanian Aboriginal Freshwater Interests artwork by Nina Morris, Project Officer - Water Policy and Planning Branch

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Contact

Water Policy Enquiries
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: 1300 368 550
Email: Water.Policy@nre.tas.gov.au