In a major milestone for First Nations leadership in environmental watering, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) and the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) have signed their first multi-year partnership agreement up to 30 June 2028.
MLDRIN Chair and Tati Tati Leader Mr Brendan Kennedy said the partnership represents a significant step for the CEWH in progressing its commitment to partner with Traditional Owners in environmental water management in the Basin as well as supporting the operational capacity of MLDRIN.
"We are thrilled to have the CEWH come alongside MLDRIN and our work to support Traditional Owners pursue self-determined cultural outcomes through environmental water programs and opportunities in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin," he said.
CEWH Dr Simon Banks said he was pleased to sign the agreement and formalise a positive working relationship that has existed for several years.
"This partnership agreement is an example of how governments and self-governing First Nations entities can work collaboratively together towards a shared vision - healthy and thriving Country that supports the wellbeing of local communities.
"Under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, environmental watering is to be undertaken in a way that uses local knowledge and experience, works effectively with local communities, and has regard to Indigenous values.
"This agreement works towards First Nations voices informing environmental water planning and delivery in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin, consistent with the Basin Plan and The Water Act 2007.
"Our partnership has already delivered numerous outcomes including working together to ensure First Nations voices inform environmental water planning, organising forums for shared understanding and partnering with State Governments on joint projects. Now we can further progress this work," he said.
MLDRIN Deputy Chair and citizen of the Ngarrindjeri Nation Mr Grant Rigney said the contract is the culmination of over two years of hard work and engagement between MLDRIN and the CEWH.
"We're excited about our partnership moving forward and our shared commitment to forging new pathways for First Nations interests in environmental watering.
"We celebrate the CEWH's culturally appropriate approach and championing of Traditional Owners' agency and pursuit of self-determined opportunities in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin. This new way of working together will model a world best practice for First Nations engagement and collaboration in environmental water, right here in the Murray-Darling Basin," he said.
This formal partnership agreement works towards the priority reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and will hopefully be a model for future partnership agreements between First Nations organisations and government agencies.
