Murray-Darling Aboriginal communities will soon have more say on how the river system is run with a permanent Indigenous position on the board of the Basin Authority.
Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said he was proud to introduce a Bill to create the role.
“I want to see Aboriginal Basin communities involved every step of the way,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Water ministers from all Basin states have agreed the board should always have an Aboriginal member. The Bill I introduced will deliver on that commitment.
“Water is at the heart of the spiritual and cultural traditions of Basin Indigenous communities.
“The Murray-Darling Basin will benefit from the expertise and experience that its Indigenous people bring as the Basin Plan is rolled out.
“The creation of this position builds on the Coalition Government’s strong record of involving Indigenous people in the management of Basin’s water.”
The new Indigenous position will increase the membership of the Board from six to seven members.
Members are nominated and appointed by agreement of the Commonwealth and all Basin water ministers.
Fast Facts:
- The Bill will establish a permanent Indigenous member.
- An appointee must have a high level of expertise regarding Indigenous matters relevant to Basin water resources.
- Builds on the Governments record on increasing indigenous Australians active engagement in the water management across the Murray Darling Basin.
