First Nations peoples have cared for Water Country for over 65,000 years. While the Basin Plan was a start to increasing the involvement of First Nations peoples in water management, we have heard from them that limited progress has been made, and they are yet to see tangible outcomes on the ground for their communities.
The MDBA is committed to advancing the water management goals of First Nations peoples in the Basin. As part of this commitment, we hosted the Moving Forward Conversation. An opportunity for First Nations to connect and share their Basin water management success stories, as we continue to walk together.
The event was a chance for participants to contribute their ideas to strengthen the involvement of First Nations people in all aspects of water management, in preparation for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP and Sir Angus Houston in his last public event as Authority Chair, along with all Authority members attended the event to listen to participants concerns and ideas for change.
Speaking at the event, Sir Angus said, “we are working to make sure that the Basin Plan is ready for the future. A future where climate change will impact the health of the Basin, and where we must better include First Nations peoples in water management and science.
“I want to be very clear – as an Authority we are deeply committed to do things better. That’s why we made First Nations a key area of focus for the Review.”
Attendees consisted of First Nations peoples previously involved in water management, and representatives nominated to attend on behalf of their organisations, including:
- Native title organisations
- Traditional owner groups
- Nation representatives
- registered Aboriginal organisations.
Over 3 days, we heard from First Nations peoples about the work they have led, including tools developed by them, such as the Cultural Flows Plans and Aboriginal Waterways Assessments. We heard concerns for the health of Water Country, and how this impacts the health and wellbeing of communities. The Conversation was also a great opportunity to discuss ideas to improve involvement of First Nations peoples in water management, and deliver tangible outcomes to community.
During the event, the MDBA released the Looking back to move forward report. Written by an independent First Nations consultancy, Cox Inall Ridgeway, the report was commissioned because First Nations people asked us for it.
A draft of the report was tested with over 100 First Nations people through 4 face-to-face workshops as well as one online workshop. Their insights from these workshops were included in the final report to ensure it reflected their lived experience.
The report shares what First Nations peoples have said publicly about water management in the Basin over the past decade. It also provides an independent assessment of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan in contributing to the priorities of First Nations peoples.
Reflecting the advocacy of First Nations peoples, the report documents their goals and concerns for water management in the Murray–Darling Basin. It will be crucial input for the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation.