4th August 2009
Indigenous people from northern Australia are coming together to
discuss their interests and views on water at a forum being held in
Mary River 5-6 August.
The north Australian Indigenous Experts Water Futures Forum will
convene up to 80 key Indigenous experts strategically involved in
water.
Convened by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea
Management Alliance, the Northern Land and Water Taskforce is
seeking to consult with Indigenous people in north Australia on
their water interests and issues.
Joe Morrison, CEO NAILSMA, highlights the forum as an
opportunity for Indigenous people across the whole of the north to
discuss a common way forward for the future of water on Indigenous
land and sea estates.
“The forum allows north Australian Indigenous people to
raise their interests and concerns about economic development and
opportunities, the complexity of institutional roles and
responsibilities and a proper process regarding development”
he says.
“Water is a complex issue that needs strong leadership to
integrate development and Indigenous disadvantage with Indigenous
social, economic and cultural connections to water
resources”.
Outcomes from the Forum will include a set of recommendations
for the Taskforce on Indigenous interests, aspirations for
sustainable development, relationships and governance arrangements
and tools needed to put northern Australian Indigenous aspirations
in place.
