6th August 2009
In August 2009, about 80 Indigenous experts from northern
Australia convened at Mary River Park in the Northern Territory to
discuss and present to the Northern Land and Water Taskforce their
water interests and issues.
Convened by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea
Management Alliance, the ‘North Australian Indigenous Experts
Water Futures Forum’ provided an opportunity to raise ideas
and concerns about economic development and opportunities; the
potential impacts of developments in the north of Australia; and
governance and institutional arrangements as they affect Indigenous
community interests, aspirations and issues.
As outcome to that forum, the Mary River Statement was written.
The Statement offers testament to the seriousness of Indigenous
peoples contribution and participation in policy decision making.
It is also sends a message that Indigenous people can not remain on
the margins of discussions about development in the north.
