- Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth action plan 2 takes out national award
- Driving climate resilience and waterwise communitiesBoorlooandBindjareb
- Initiative reflects Cook Labor Government's commitment to securing WA's water future
A State Labor Government water-saving initiative embedding Aboriginal environmental and cultural knowledge into its design and implementation has received a top honour.
Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth action plan 2 has won the Organisational Excellence category at the Australian Water Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements across the water sector, highlighting innovation, leadership, and collaboration to support a more sustainable water future.
The action plan was recognised for its innovative, cross-agency approach to delivering sustainable water outcomes and driving systemwide change.
Led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in partnership with the Water Corporation, it brings together 10 government agencies, alongside Aboriginal partners and the community, to reduce water use across the State.
Introduced in response to water challenges and climate change, the initiative sets a vision to transform Boorloo and Bindjareb into leading waterwise communities by 2030.
It builds on the original Waterwise Perth action plan 2019, which laid the foundation for this work and secured the Australian Water Association Organisational Excellence WA State Award in 2023 and the national Organisational Excellence Award in 2024.
Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth action plan 2 (2022-24) has strengthened this approach by further embedding Aboriginal environmental and cultural knowledge, enhancing climate resilience and advancing water quality outcomes.
'Kep Katitjin' means 'water knowledge' in the Whadjuk and Bindjareb Noongar dialects, reflecting its codevelopment with Danjoo Koorliny leaders and Bindjareb Elders to help heal waterways and deliver lasting waterwise benefits on Whadjuk and Bindjareb Country.
The action plan also received the Organisational Excellence Award at the WA State Awards last October.
The current stage of the program, Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3 (2024-27), continues to build on this work by strengthening collaboration across government, Aboriginal partners, industry, research, and the community to deliver enduring waterwise outcomes.
For more information visit: www.wa.gov.au/service/natural-resources/water-resources/program-kep-katitjin-gabi-kaadadjan-waterwise-perth-action-plan-2
As stated by Water and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch:
"This national recognition highlights how the Cook Labor Government is securing WA's water future by bringing Aboriginal knowledge and modern water management together to deliver lasting, systemwide change.
"Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 2 reflects our commitment to long-term water security strengthening climate resilience through genuine collaboration with Aboriginal partners and the community.
"This awardwinning initiative demonstrates the Cook Labor Government's clear focus on building a more waterwise Western Australia, supporting resilient communities across Boorloo, Bindjareb, and beyond."
