Kimberley-Water-Forum

Kimberley Water
Forum
Proceedings
March 13-14 2008
Broome
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The Kimberley Water Forum is respectfully
dedicated to the late
Peter Cullen
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Kimberley Water Forum Proceedings 2008
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................ 5
2. PLANNING AND PREPARATION..................................................... 6
3. OVERVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS....................................................... 8
4. SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES.............................................................. 9
5. ISSUES ARISING ........................................................................ 11
5.1 DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ............................................ 11
5.2 ENGAGEMENT ......................................................................... 13
5.3 PLANNING.............................................................................. 14
5.4 WATER ALLOCATION, MANAGEMENT AND USE ....................... 15
5.5 INDIGENOUS INTERESTS AND VALUES .................................. 17
6. NEXT STEPS................................................................................ 18
Acknowledgement: Michael Douglas for photography (all images
contained herein).7. APPENDICES.................................................. 18
7. APPENDICES............................................................................... 19
APPENDIX A: Water Forum Poster............................................... 20
APPENDIX B: List of Participants................................................. 21
APPENDIX C: Agenda ................................................................... 22
APPENDIX D: Presenter Profiles & Presentation Summaries ........ 25
Objectives:................................................................................... 27
Focus for discussion:.................................................................... 27
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5
1. INTRODUCTION
The Kimberley water forum was held in Broome on the 13th
and 14th
March 2008. The forum
brought together about 100 people from sectors such as government (state and federal), industry
and community representatives, mostly from the region, to share information about State and
Commonwealth water policy reforms, water planning and management processes, and water-
related activities in the Kimberley.
The aims of the forum were:
Provide information to a broad cross-section of Kimberley people on water policy, planning
and management
Promote the sharing and exchange of useful and regionally-relevant information
Build a strong foundation for future water planning in the region
Over the next few years, the water planning landscape in the Kimberley will intensify. The
forum itself marks the start of the WA Department of Water’s (DoWs) regional planning process
in the Kimberley. The Kimberley Regional Plan will set out the broad policy direction for water
management in the region and identify areas for more detailed allocation planning.
The community-based Kimberley water forum resulted from a partnership of regional
organizations including the Department of Water (DoW), Department of Agriculture and Food
WA (DAFWA) the Kimberley Land Council (KLC), Environs Kimberley (EK), and the Tropical
Rivers and Coastal Knowledge (TRaCK) research program. All of these organisations have a
common interest in ensuring that regional people are properly and appropriately informed about
water-related policy, planning and management activities and better able to participate in future
planning processes.
DoW has produced this proceedings document as one way of disseminating information about
and from the water forum more widely. A poster from the forum has also been produced and
presented at a number of community forums already (Appendix A).
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6
Poh-Ling Tan presenting her research
Lawford Benning & Doodie Lawford Daryl Coombs, Ian Perdrisat, & Kate Golson
2. PLANNING AND PREPARATION
In mid-2007, at a meeting of the Kimberley Appropriate Economies Roundtable project
committee1
in Fitzroy Crossing, a proposal was presented by the regional office of DoW to hold
a community-based regional water forum in collaboration with a number of key Kimberley
organisations.2
The forum emerged from this partnership.
Between August 2007 and February 2008, the committee met regularly over the phone and face-
to-face to develop an agenda, set a date and location, and compile a list of invitees and
presenters. The forum was designed to disseminate and share information.
1
Information about the KAER project can be found at http://www.klc.org.au/rndtable_docs.html.
2
Present at the meeting were the project partners – KLC, EK and the Australian Conservation Foundation - as well
as Joe Ross, a Bunuba community leader and Chair of the Indigenous Water Policy Group, Ismahl Croft, a young
Walmajarri leader working with KLC and the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre, staff from DoW and
DAFWA, and two members of the TRaCK project.
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A broad cross-section of Kimberley people from all the relevant industry, community and
government organisations were invited (Appendix B). The number of participants was limited to
100 due to the capacity of the venue and with a view to facilitating easier interaction by all
participants. The organisers networked extensively and targeted invitations to ensure a balance
of participants with many invitees representing more than one organisation or sector. There was
much discussion amongst the organizers as to the style of forum, whether we had a number of
small meetings or one large event. It was recognized that the large event would not suit the
communication styles of all participants but it was agreed that it was still of great value bringing
all people together to exchange information. It is still acknowledged that smaller forums are
required for more detailed planning.
The decision to hold the forum in Broome rather than in Fitzroy Crossing or Derby was not a
straightforward one and made ultimately on logistical reasoning. In addition, one of the dominant
factors determining the date of the event, was the opportunity to secure presentations from the
late Peter Cullen (then Australia’s most prominent water scientist and Commissioner with the
National Water Commission) and to coincide with some other key meetings.3
The cost of the forum, including assistance for community people from outside the Broome area
to attend, were met by DoW and DAFWA with the other partners contributing through in-kind
support.
A facilitator was engaged to work closely with the organisers to shape the final agenda, brief the
speakers from outside of the Kimberley and to facilitate the two day event. To ensure that
content of the talks was focused and relevant, all of the presenters were provided with a central
question to guide them: How can water planning, management and/or research be improved in
the Kimberley? In preparing for the forum, all of the speakers were fully informed of the purpose
and aims of the forum and about the audience. In addition, a number of speakers had a briefing
with Aboriginal language interpreters.
Keith Bristow, Anna Straton & Annette Kogolo Justin McCaul & Joe Morrison
3
Peter Cullen fell sick the weekend before he was scheduled to arrive in Broome. His death was marked by a
minute’s silence on the final day of the forum.
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3. OVERVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS
Directed by the aims of the forum, the agenda was developed to include presentations on
regional and local concerns, priorities and activities as well as on national and state water policy
reforms and activities (Appendix C). The proceedings were broken into a plenary, panel and
small group sessions. The timing of each session was determined by the need to encompass 21
presentations directed at a large and diverse group of participants each with varying levels of
English and knowledge of the subjects being talked about.
Interpreters from the Kimberley Interpreting Service were present throughout the sessions to
translate for those who required it. It was found to be most effective for the interpreters to sit
amongst the audience so that people could request translations when they needed them.
Day one presentations (Appendix D) focused on Federal and state (WA) government process,
legislative and program activities, as well as pertinent information about catchment-level
activities from elsewhere in the country. At the end of every two talks discussion sessions were
convened allowing participants the opportunity to sit and talk in small groups allowing
participants to share and exchange views, ask questions amongst themselves and to the
presenters, with interpreters present to assist.
On day two a series of panels comprised of Kimberley people provided information on such
topics as collaborative aquatic river research, agricultural activity and local community river
planning (Appendix D). The panels were structured with flexibility to allow participants the
opportunity to engage in discussion amongst themselves and with presenters.
Presenters at tea station to meet with people Small group sessions between presentations
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4. SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES
The main outcomes of the Kimberley water forum were:
(i) Bringing a broad cross-section of Kimberley people together
The organisers networked extensively and took great care to target the participants in order to
ensure that there was a wide-ranging mix of people invited to the forum (see Appendix B).
Some sectors were not quite as well represented on the day due to absence of some invited
persons.
The community-based gathering brought together members of the Kimberley community,
industry and government sectors, including farmers, members of traditional owner groups, local
government, the Water Users group, the Ord Catchment Reference Group, tour operators and
environmentalists.
These participants were joined by a range of people from outside of the region, who were chosen
for the knowledge and experience they could bring to the event, most in the way of formal
presentations. These included researchers, members of the National Water Commission, and
water planners.
Travis Fazeldean presenting Bruce Gorring & Kelvin Barr
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Jack Burton Anthony Watson Phillip Hams Murray Radcliffe
(ii) Delivering clear information and promoting its sharing and exchange
Considerable effort went into planning the agenda, structuring sessions and other aspects of the
proceedings. This was to ensure that the forum would be an effective arena for the presentation,
sharing and exchange of information.
The facilitator employed a range of techniques and approaches to encourage open discussions
and a responsive and flexible atmosphere whilst keeping sessions focused and purposeful.
Ensuring that the information presented was clear, and that people had time to absorb each of the
presentation, was achieved in a number of ways. Key pieces of information were recorded on a
large wall diagram to map out the layers and levels of water activity and how they all interact,
from the National, State, regional and local level. This has subsequently been made into a poster
and disseminated as a communication product from the forum (Appendix A).
Mapping the layers of water planning (Federal to local)
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(iii) Laying the foundation for water planning, management and research activities in the
region
The water forum provided information on the changing water policy and planning landscape and
the implications of this for the Kimberley. The water forum marked the start of the regional
water planning process for the Kimberley.
While never intended to be a consultative forum, in discussions and feedback through
evaluations (see Appendix D) there were many messages for participating water planners,
managers and researchers to take note of (see following section). For DoW, the main points and
concerns expressed by participants will be incorporated into the regional planning process to
ensure this forum opportunity was not wasted.
Hmalan Hunter-Xenie & Hanson Boxer Peter Bagley & Kate Andrews
5. ISSUES ARISING
Many issues were raised over the two days. The below summary is mainly based on notes taken
in the main sessions and feedback from evaluation. Some of the small group discussions were
recorded but not as a matter of course, so what follows is not exhaustive.
5.1 DISSEMINATING INFORMATION
Access to information
People need good, clear information before they can be expected to participate in and
engage with planning processes.
How do water planners get information out to the community? How can we increase
access to information on water planning and management?
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Coordination of effort – people in the Kimberley region are busy and there are few of us
so we need to work together.
Communication between government, research and Aboriginal people living on country
would be strengthened if information was distributed more widely through the network of
regional and local community Aboriginal organisations.
Patrick Annesley, Phillip Hams, Pat Lowe & Jack
Burton
Fitzroy locals
Meetings and other arenas
Large meetings are not always an appropriate or effective way of getting information to
people. Smaller group meeting increase community participation.
In a region as big as the Kimberley, with its culturally diverse and scattered population,
forums must only form one part of the effort necessary to inform and engage, so
government, researchers and local groups need to recognise this and pursue other
processes and utilise existing information pathways.
If given the choice, Traditional Owners prefer to meet on their country to talk about
localised issues pertaining to their area of responsibility.
Big meetings only get information out to a limited range of people, often the ones with
resources, time to go to them and confidence/experience dealing with the issues.
Where are the meetings held? It is much more difficult for people outside of the main
towns to access information and services.
Who should attend such meetings? At the water forum, there were no representatives
from the fisheries or members of the Yawuru Traditional Owners of the Broome region.4
After the water forum, it is necessary for other meetings to be held outside of Broome to
provide information to the wider community in appropriate forms such as plain English
summaries.
Big gatherings can promote cooperation and sharing, but many people are often
uncomfortable speaking at them. It is important to leave time for people to talk amongst
themselves.
Breaking into small groups at the water forum allowed for discussions that explored
individual views as well as more complex issues.
4
See Appendix B for more information on who was invited.
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The small group sessions enabled Aboriginal people to go through the information as a
group, with the interpreters assisting.
Peter Kneebone Anne Poelina Elsia Archer, Meghan
Barnes, & Elaine
Gardiner
Justin McCaul & Jane
Blackwood
Communication and content
For people to engage in discussions about water, they need an overview of the big picture
and how things fit together, and who does what.
The mapping exercise at the water forum, which showed the key agencies, main people
and the projects and activities, was a valuable exercise.
‘Talking straight’ to the community is important, and government and researchers need to
use language that is clear and appropriate and avoid technical jargon. It is best to
undertake these community meeting on local country
5.2 ENGAGEMENT
Effective engagement
Engaging properly with stakeholders takes time, often needs substantial resourcing, and
always requires a range of different methods.
It is important not to let people’s aspirations get lost in the planning process or buried by
competing agendas or government processes. This means providing the right places and
opportunities for engagement.
Strive for a deep understanding of people’s positions by breaking down assumptions and
getting the protocols for research and engagement in planning right. Seek new methods of
connecting people to research and decision-making.
Use a diversity of engagement methods and pathways, including using existing
organizations that represent people (such as KALACC, KLRC, KARG etc).
Build on what has gone before
There have been so many consultation and planning processes over the years which could
be built upon by more recent planning processes. We need to ensure the lessons of the
past are not lost in a new process
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This is even more important when considering the impact of the high turnover of people
in the Kimberley, with most only staying 3 years. Every time people leave, long term
people here have to re-build relationships. A lot of knowledge and experience in the
community goes unrecognised and unharnessed.
Poh-Ling Tan & Dillon Andrews Jim Donaldson & Brendan Edgar
5.3 PLANNING
Need a vision to plan towards!
Planners must acknowledge and, where possible, draw upon vision statements that people
have developed in other regional planning processes, such as the Kimberley NRM
Strategy and the Kimberley Appropriate Economies Roundtable.
Knowledge base
Is there enough data to make good decisions about water planning and use? If not how
do we go about collecting the appropriate data
Need better understanding of ground and surface water, and their interactions.
Inclusiveness
Processes need to include a balance of community, industry and government.
Allow for all community needs to be validated, even those with uncertain property rights,
as is the reality for many native title claimants.
Recognise pastoralism as much as a way of life as it is a form of livelihood.
Planning needs to have a strong focus on social issues.
Timeframes
A good planning process has a clear and limited timeframe, one that people can see the
stages of and be engaged in throughout.
However, good planning takes a long time, particularly in being built on trust, good
relationships and a deep level of understanding.
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This is a challenge for planners who have to manage the expectations of the planning
process, including the realities of timing and funding constraints.
Scales or Levels of planning
Planning needs to be undertaken at a relevant scale (e.g. the catchment level compared
with the regional level).
The levels of planning and engagement must be targeted. Involve individuals at a local
level in resource planning (e.g. water allocation planning at a catchment level) and
engage groups or representative bodies when trying to plan at a regional scale.
Many individuals don’t feel they can represent people beyond their catchments or
communities and the scales of impact are incongruous with people’s level of
responsibility.
Water planning must be coordinated with the processes for land planning.
Dean Mathews & Nolan Hunter Dave Munday
5.4 WATER ALLOCATION, MANAGEMENT AND USE
Legislation
How might the new legislation provide protection for the Fitzroy River and other places
of high environmental significance?
Government requirements
Small-scale operators are expected to undertake expensive assessment and investigation
processes for water resource and hydro-geological studies that are prohibitive in their
costs.
This is seen to represent a major barrier for small-medium scale development in the
region.
Government support
Regional operators need a much greater level of support to navigate government
processes and requirements.
Would be good if Government processes and systems were better coordinated and
streamlined. Some Government agencies are working towards this.
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The New Opportunities for Tropical and Pastoral Agriculture (NOTPA) are working with
land managers and communities to navigate through regulatory Government processes
(ie: they are working with Nita Downs and DoW).
Environmental Protection
There are increasing pressures on the country from tourism.
Local people believe that erosion is a major threat around the Fitzroy river region.
Previous proposals to dam the Fitzroy river for large-scale irrigation is of concern to local
people, and the existing barrage at Liveringa prevents the passage of fish including the
endangered sawfish.
Other threats to Kimberley rivers include weeds.
Some people think northern rivers in the Kimberley should be considered for special
protection as they are Wild Rivers with conservation significance.
Doodie Lawford discussion in small group Paul Rosair discussion in small group
Remote Communities
Water in some remote communities has been found to be poor quality and it can be
difficult to maintain good quality drinking water.
Water availability in remote communities – some people would like to know more about
licensing requirements for such things as community drinking water supply, community
gardens and other agricultural activities.
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Poh-Ling Tan, Paul Rosair & Sue Jackson Ed Hauck & Elaine Gardiner
5.5 INDIGENOUS INTERESTS AND VALUES
Recognition and incorporation of cultural beliefs and practices in water planning and
management
How are Aboriginal cultural values being incorporated into decisions about water
planning and management?
Aboriginal people are so easily left out of planning processes because of their cultural
and language differences and because they live in more remote areas.
Traditional Owners speak only for their own Country. Government has to come and talk
to each of those groups and run a proper process if it wants people to engage.
Working with young people
Planning requires training for the young people in communities.
Successful youth projects such as the Yiriman project need to be supported by planning
and management processes. How can they inform and engage local Indigenous youth in
practical activities that improve people’s circumstances as well as the environment?
Governments could do well to build on and harness existing local activities that are trying
to provide opportunities for training and employment.
Water entitlements and Licenses
There was concern that licenses would prevent Aboriginal people from accessing their
rivers and waterholes.
There needs to be more information about the licensing concept.
People were worried about all the water being allocated and licensed to non-Aboriginal
people only.
Aboriginal peoples access to water entitlements needs to be resolved.
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6. NEXT STEPS
The water forum constitutes the first step in the Kimberley regional water planning process. The
concerns, needs, priorities and other matters raised at the meeting will be incorporated in the next
stage of the planning process, which will include the development of a series of issues-scoping
documents that will inform the plan.
In this process, DoW will:
1. Work with and through the relevant local and regional bodies and processes to engage people
in water planning for example, the Fitzroy Catchment Action Management group (Fitzcam), and
Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s);
2. Build on the work of past and current planning and engagement processes undertaken in the
Kimberley, including the NRM process, Kimberley Appropriate Economies Roundtable, water
projects and the Caring for Country Plan;
3. Ensure that the engagement of people is compatible with the level of planning being
undertaken (for example, allocation planning of an individual river or catchment will need a high
level of input from the stakeholders that are directly influenced by the plan, as compared with
broader Kimberley-wide regional planning which sets out the key concepts and principles for
water use); and
4. Raise awareness about water management (including water management planning and water
resource investigation), through providing more information to people about licensing, water
measurement, waterways and water quality.
Small group discussions
Acknowledgement: Michael Douglas for photography (all images contained herein).
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7. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Water Forum Poster
APPENDIX B: List of Participants
APPENDIX C: Agenda
APPENDIX D: Presenter Profiles & Presentation Summaries
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APPENDIX A: Water Forum Poster
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APPENDIX B: List of Participants
Some participants commented that some representatives and sectors were missing. The steering
committee had many discussions about the mix of invitees and worked hard to achieve a good
balance of people. Unfortunately some people could not make it due to prior commitments or
otherwise.
The following is a list of people that attended the forum:
Lorrae McArthur (NAILSMA), Craig Phillips (Chamber of Commerce), Gary Scott (Environs Kimberley), Michael
Douglas (TRACK), Joe Morrison (NAILSMA), Chris Mitchell (Broome Shire), David Collard (Department of
Water), Ian Perdrisat (Madjulla Incorporated), Pam Baskind (Department for Planning and Infrastructure), Nolan
Hunter (KLC, IWPG), Jerome Goh (Main Roads), Justin McCaul (Australian Conservation Foundation), Eugene
Carew (Department of Premier and Cabinet), Mary Tarren (Yawuru traditional owner), Frank Sebastian (Yawuru
traditional owner), Elsia Archer (Shire of Derby West Kimberley), Sharon Ferguson (Department of Environment
and Conservation), Jane Blackwood (KLC), Dillon Andrews (Bunuba), Mervyn Street (Gooniyandi), Helen Malo,
David Street, Dave Munday (DoW), Michael Wright (WaterCorp), Jack Burton (Yeeda Pastoral Corporation), Hugh
Wallace-Smith (Fitzcam), AJ Aiken (DEC), Nadelle Brooks (DoW), Phillips Hams (GoGo Station), Elaine Gardiner
(Ord Irrigation Cooperative and Rangelands Coordinating Group), Paul Rosair (DoW), Dean Mathews (DoW),
Patrick Annesley (Water Dynamics), Lawford Benning (Miriuwung Gajerrong and Kimberley Aboriginal Reference
Group), Dee Lightfoot (Kimberley Interpretive Service), Ronnie Jimbidie (KIS), Annette Kogolo (KIS), Harry
Watson (Jarlmadanga), Poh-Ling Tan (Griffith University), Alan Lawford (Bohemia Downs Pastoral Station), Keith
Bristow (CSIRO), Murray Radcliffe (National Water Commission), Ed Hauck (DoW), Peter Bagley (Canning
Agricultural Services), Anthony Watson (Jarlmadanga), William Watson (Jarlmadangah), Daryl Moncrieff (DEC),
Daryl Coombs (Yiriman Project), Anna Straton (CSIRO), Fred Mills (Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley), Pieter
Swart (Argyle Diamond mine), Sue Jackson (CSIRO), Peter Davies (University of Western Australia), Neil Collier
(Charles Darwin University), Simon Keenan (Yiriman Project), Andrew Dickson (Department of Environment
Heritage and the Arts), Hmalan Hunter-Xenie (TRaCK), Peter Kneebone (Kimberley NRM), Craig Pasch
(Woodside), Louise Williams (Environs Kimberley), Ben Wilson (Tropical Forestry Services), Damian and Kirsty
Foreshaw (Nita Downs), Sarah Yu (Consultant), Jeff Cooper (RecFishWest), Joe Cooper (Karajarri), Meghan
Barnes (DoW), Chris Ham (DAFWA), Roy Stone (DOW), Susie Williams (DoW), Kate Golson (TRaCK/DoW),
Anna Mardling (KLC), Bruce Gorring (Department of Indigenous Affairs), Pat Lowe (Environs Kimberley), Travis
Fazeldean (Jarlmadanga rangers), Brendan Edgar (Land and Water Australia), Jim Donaldson (Land and Water
Australia), Will Phillipiadis (Indigenous Land Management Facilitator), Mary Aitken (Fitzcam), June Davis
(Fitzcam), Mitch Torres, Mick Jowalji, Wallace Midmi, and Anne Poelina (Madjulla Corporation).
This is a list of invitees and networks that were also invited or consulted about the process:
Wayne Bergmann (KLC), Tom Birch (KLC), Alan Burn (Dept of Environment and Conservation), Jeff Camkin
(Northern Australia Irrigation Futures), Graeme Campbell (Shire of Broome), Glen Chidlow (Australia's North West
Tourism), Chris Chilcott (DAFWA), Lynette Craig (Shire of Halls Creek), Vaughan Davies (Tourism WA), Pat
Dodson (Lingiari Foundation and Yawuru leader), Danny Fyffe (horticulturalist), John Mitchell (Pillara mine), Jeff
Gooding (Kimberley Development Commission), Pearl Gordon (Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group for NRM),
Sharon Griffiths (planning consultant), Steve Kinnane (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Studies), Hazel Kural (WA Dept of Premier & Cabinet), Mark Lewis (DAFWA), Jim Motter (Pastoralist and
Graziers Association), Tim O'Neil (Rio Tinto – Argyle), Kerrie Olsson (National Water Commission), Frank Procop
(Recfishwest), Christine Schweizer (Northern Taskforce), Vic Semeniuk (hydro-ecologist), David Stoate
(pastoralist), Clare Taylor (Rivercare Australian Govenrment), Sandy Touissant (researcher), Tanya Vernes (World
Wildlife Fund – Australia), Brian Warren (Rangelands Coordinating Group), Robert and Sam Watson (Lower
Liveringa Station) and Frank Wilson (Tropical Forestries Services), Maria Mann (Environs Kimberley), Joe Ross
(Bunuba Inc.), Peter Yu (Northern Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, member of the
Indigenous Water Policy Group and Yawuru leader).
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APPENDIX C: Agenda
Kimberley Water Forum
March 13 & 14
Mangrove Hotel – Broome
Background:
This Water Forum has emerged from a partnership between the Department of Water,
Kimberley Land Council, Environs Kimberley, Department of Agriculture and Food, and
TRACK (Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge). This event has been developed to build
collective understanding of activities around water planning and management and to
provide a forum for a range of perspectives on water in the Kimberley.
Objectives:
1. Share information about water planning, research and management in the Kimberley
2. Discuss what this means for the region and communities
3. Build a foundation for regional water planning
Note: This forum is not intended to make decisions. It is an opportunity to share
information and views. It is the first step in a longer water planning process to be run by
WA’s Department of Water.
Focus for discussion:
“Improving regional water planning, management and research in the Kimberley.”
At the forum:
The forum will provide an opportunity to hear from a wide range of people, and to
contribute what you know and feel. So there will be plenty of time to during the forum to
share ideas both during sessions and in breaks.
A few other things will be happening to help us all share information.
On the first day at tea breaks and lunch the speakers of the previous session will be sitting
at the tea stalls to chat with people.
Throughout the forum we will be building a wall map of what is going on and how it fits
together for everyone to see. Each of the speakers will be asked to provide one line
summing up their most important message about water and the Kimberley.
We would like to encourage everyone to bring a poster about their organisation, their work
or their place, that we can display.
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Kimberley Water Forum – Agenda
Thursday, March 13, 2008 - Mangrove Hotel
8:50 am Welcome to country Senior Yawuru Traditional Owner
9:00 am Welcome to forum and background
Dave Munday (WA Dept of Water –
Kimberley office)
9:10 am Forum objectives and agenda Facilitator
9:20 am
National Water Reforms:
What do they mean for the Kimberley?
Murray Radcliffe (National Water
Commission)
10:30 am Morning tea and chat
11:00 am
Indigenous northern Australia and the reforms:
Indigenous Water Policy Group
Joe Morrison (Indigenous Water Policy
Group)
11.25 am
WA government and the reforms:
DoW roles and responsibilities
WA legislative reforms
State, regional & local water planning
Ed Hauck (WA Dept of Water - Perth
office)
11:45 pm
Plenary questions + mapping the water planning landscape
Small groups - questions & clarification Facilitator
12:30 pm Lunch and chat with speakers
1:30 pm
Environmental Flows:
The concept, its application and implications for northern
Australia
Starting of the TRaCK research projects
Michael Douglas (Tropical Rivers &
Coastal Knowledge Project, Charles
Darwin University)
1:55 pm
Public participation in water policy and management:
Analysis of public participation in water planning – lessons for
the Kimberley
Aboriginal engagement and the Indigenous water facilitators
network
Establishment of the Fitzroy Catchment Reference Group
Poh-Ling Tan (Tropical Rivers & Coastal
Knowledge Project, Griffith University)
Joe Morrison (Indigenous Water Policy
Group)
Hugh Wallace Smith (Fitzroy Catchment
Management Project)
2:40 pm Group discussion and questions Facilitator
3:15 pm Afternoon tea and chat with speakers
3:45 pm
Water planning at the local level:
Daly case-study: Establishment of a
Multi-stakeholder process
La Grange Allocation planning process
La Grange Translation project
Joint Management of Water Reserves
Sue Jackson (Tropical Rivers & Coastal
Knowledge Project, CSIRO)
Roy Stone (WA Dept of Water - Perth
office)
Mulet Malardy (Karajarri Traditional
Lands Ass) & Dean Mathews (WA Dept
of Water)
Paul Rosair (WA Dept of Water) &
Lawford Benning (Ord Enhancement
Scheme)
4.45 pm
Plenary questions and discussion - What have we learnt that we could
use to improve water planning, research & management in the
Kimberley?
Facilitator
6.00 pm Forum Dinner – BBQ at the Mangrove Hotel
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Friday, March 14, 2008 – Mangrove Hotel
8.15 am Tea
8:30 am Re-cap of Day 1
8:40 am
Panel presentations and discussions:
Kimberley ways of life
Building strong riverside communities
Integrated Water Research
Recreational Fishing
Anne Polelina (Madjulla Inc)
Mulet Malardy (Karajarri Traditional
Lands Ass) & Sarah Yu (researcher)
Jeff Cooper (Recreational fishing)
9:10 am Panel questions & discussions
9:40 am
Kimberley Livelihoods
Economic development
Pastoralism, agricultural & horticultural sectors
Sustainable livelihoods
Kelvin Barr (Kimberley Development
Commission)
Chris Ham (Dept of Agriculture &
Food WA)
Steve Kinnane
10.15 am Panel questions & discussions
10:40 am Morning tea
11:00 pm
Sustainable Water Management
Getting legal protection for the Fitzroy River
Fitzroy Healthy River Project
The Kimberley Caring For Country Plan
Gary Scott (Environs Kimberley)
Daryl Coombs (Yirriman) & Travis
Fazaldean (Jarlmadangah Rangers)
Will Philippiadis (Indigenous Land
Management Facilitator)
11:30 pm Panel questions & discussions
12:00 pm Summary of issues raised and discussion
12:50 pm
Grab some lunch and join us for a DoW session:
Where to next with the WA government water planning process? What
does this mean for the Kimberley and its communities?
Facilitator
Roy Stone (WA Dept of Water - Perth
office)
3:30 pm Close
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APPENDIX D: Presenter Profiles & Presentation Summaries
Welcome to Country
Yawuru Traditional Owners
Frank Sebastian (left)
Ngabaru Mary Tarran
Frank Sebastian and Ngabaru Mary Tarran represent the Yawuru traditional owners and
presented to the Water Forum participants to open proceedings.
Frank talked about his family and their country, and some of the struggles that Aboriginal
people have faced in the region. He reminded us to be respectful of these issues when
working and talking in this country.
Ngabaru Mary Tarran talked about her family history in the region and some of her
experiences in the region. She also talked about Yawuru Jarndu, a local indigenous
organisation she works for that hand screen-printed the Kimberley Water Forum calico
bags. This signified the attempt to keep the forum very local.
Frank and Ngabaru welcomed us to country.
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Welcome to Forum and background
Dave Munday (left)
Department of Water
Kimberley Regional Manager
Annette Kogolo (right) Interpreter
Kimberley Interpreting services
Ronnie Jimbidi Interpreter
Kimberley Interpreting Services
Thankyou and we would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this country, the
regional people for hosting us here and everyone from outside of the region for coming to
share information and learn from us in the Kimberley.
It is a huge challenge facing all of us here to plan and manage resources in such a huge
and diverse region.
The Department has developed a strong partnership with key regional organisations to talk
about water. This Water Forum has emerged from a partnership between the Department
of Water, Kimberley Land Council, Environs Kimberley, Department of Agriculture and
Food, and TRACK (Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge).
This event has been developed to build collective understanding of activities around water
planning and management and to provide a forum for a range of voices on water in the
Kimberley.
This partnership is also an effort to connect with regional and local planning initiatives such
as the Kimberley Appropriate Economies Roundtable, NRM projects and processes and
other planning going on in the region. We recognise peoples sustained efforts and
participation in this type of work and want to build on and strengthen that work rather
than starting over.
This forum necessarily has a West Kimberley focus as there has been a lot of water activity
in the East Kimberley and we want to strengthen our involvement over this way but much
of the discussion over the next few days is Kimberley wide. This is a very exciting agenda
that has been developed and this forum is to share information so questions and discussion
are welcomed.
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Objectives and agenda
Kate Andrews Facilitator
Kate Andrews has a background in natural
resource management and has wide ranging
experience focusing on participatory community
processes. She was the inaugural Chief
Executive of the Lake Eyre Basin Coordinating
Group after spending 4 years working with
graziers, farmers, tourism operators,
government and conservationists to try to reach
agreement on how to better manage the vast
Lake Eyre Basin. Kate worked as the
Knowledge and Adoption manager at Land and
Water Australia working to improve the
relevance and usefulness of research, and its
uptake. She is now based in Darwin.
Objectives:
4. Share information about water planning, research and management in the
Kimberley
5. Discuss what this means for the region and communities
6. Build a foundation for regional water planning
Note: This forum is not intended to make decisions. It is an opportunity to share
information and views. It is the first step in a longer water planning process to be run by
WA’s Department of Water.
Focus for discussion:
“Improving regional water planning, management and research in the Kimberley.”
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Water Reform – The National Water Initiative
Murray Radcliffe
National Water Commission
At the National Water Commission in
Canberra I
- Manage the Water Planning and
Management Team that includes
responsibility for Indigenous access to
water resources issues; and
- Manager for the Raising National
Water Standards Program.
Key message: The Kimberley Water Forum is the first step in a long process to
plan for the use of water in the Kimberley region. The Western Australian
Government has agreed to develop transparent water plans for the Kimberley
region that includes engagement and consultation with all stakeholders
including Indigenous communities. It is up to the stakeholders to make the best
of this opportunity.
The National Water Initiative (NWI) establishes a framework for water management in
Australia. All State and Territory Governments and the Australian Government are
signatories to the NWI.
The key objective of the NWI is a nationally-compatible, market, regulatory and planning
based system of managing surface and groundwater resources for rural and urban use
that optimises economic, social and environmental outcomes by (among others)
transparent, statutory-based water planning.
The Kimberley Water Forum is the first step in developing the transparent, statutory-
based water plan for the Kimberley region by the Western Australian Government.
The NWI contains more detailed information about water planning and includes a
schedule (E) that details guidelines for water plans and planning processes. The NWI can
be found at www.nwc.gov.au/nwi
The NWI specifically recognises that water plans should “recognise indigenous needs in
relation to water access and management” and all parties to the NWI will provide for
indigenous access to water resources through planning processes that ensure inclusion of
indigenous representation in water planning wherever possible; and water plans will
incorporate indigenous social, spiritual and customary objectives and strategies for
achieving these objectives wherever they can be developed.
The National Water Commission is funding a number of projects that are supporting the
States and Territories to implement water plans throughout Australia. More information
about these projects can be found at www.nwc.gov.au
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Indigenous Water Policy Group
Joe Morrison
Executive Officer NAILSMA
Over the last 13 years, Joe has worked
with Indigenous communities across the
Top End of the NT, and recently extending
across north Australia, supporting
communities develop local action to care
for their country.
The majority of his time has been with
Nunggubuyu, Ngandi, Mara, Wandarang,
Alawa and Ngalakgan people in south-east
Arnhem Land, whilst working with the
Parks & Wildlife Service of the NT. Joe also
sits on various Australian Government
Advisory Committee’s relating to Landcare,
and Caring for Country.
Northern Australia Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) has recently
established the Indigenous Water Policy Group (IWPG) to examine strategic matters that
may have implications for Indigenous people across the north, particularly as it relates to
the NWI and indigenous engagement in water planning, legislative reform, water
development and future trading relationships.
The aims of the IWPG are:
to increase the awareness of Indigenous people living in northern Australia about the
government’s current policies for water reform, and
to engage in research relating to Indigenous rights, responsibilities and interests in
water resources in northern Australia so that these aspects are articulated during
the water reform process.
The Indigenous Water Policy Group (IWPG) will oversee the Indigenous Community Water
Facilitator Network (ICWFN).
The aims of the ICWFN are to:
establish a community based network to advance Indigenous engagement in
research and management of tropical rivers, water use and conservation across
northern Australia, and,
act as a catalyst to ensure that Indigenous interests are articulated, encouraged and
incorporated into water policy decisions, management plans and water allocations.
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30
WA Government and the reforms
Ed Hauck
Manager of Strategic Planning
Department of Water
Key message: Water planning helps Government make good decisions and
participation is essential
What we do
• Water Resource Use
– Managing water access and use
• Water Information
– measurement and monitoring
• Water Resources Management
– waterways, groundwater, science and drinking water protection
• Policy and Planning
– law reform, NWI, regional planning
Planning – different levels of planning:
- State Water Plan (shaped by the National Water Initiative)
- Kimberley Regional Water Plan – we are doing this now
- Allocation Plan (La Grange, Ord etc)
We are doing a Kimberley Regional Plan now – there is a basic 5-step process: 1 Current
State; 2 Future Trends; 3 Regional Water Future; 4 Action Plan; 5 Implementation and
Monitoring.
What is planning really about
• Decisions for public good
• Understanding & mapping values
• Balancing values – environment, culture, drinking water, industry, farming.
• How to share water
• How the whole water cycle fits together
• Appropriate scales of development
• Engaging with community processes
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Environmental Flows
Michael Douglas
Director of TRaCK
Based at CDU, Michael Douglas is the
Research Director of the Tropical Rivers and
Coastal Knowledge project. With a
background in zoology and aquatic ecology,
he currently leads multidisciplinary research
projects focused on weed ecology and
management, riparian zone ecology and
management, and environmental and
cultural water requirements. He is
particularly interested in how catchment
management practices affect the ecology of
freshwater ecosystems.
Key message: Good planning will need good information on environmental
flows and TRaCK can help to provide this.
What is an environmental flow?
• The water you need to keep a river healthy
• Supports important plants, animals and the processes that keep it all working
Not just how much water ….. But:
• How long should it last?; When should it happen?; How often should it happen?;
Should it be the same each year?
water in the river
• Other uses - drinking, washing, mining, irrigation etc.
• If we take out too much, the river isn’t healthy anymore – Need balance
Its application: Past
• We never used to worry about it
• Environment got whatever was left
• Unhealthy rivers, expensive to fix, hard to get water back
Water Reform
• Environment is recognised as a legitimate user of water
• States have to make sure environment gets enough
• Commonwealth monitors how well the States are doing this
So how do we work out the environmental flow?
• Start with no water and add some for each part of the river Or
• Work out how much you can take out before it gets unhealthy
Implications for northern Australia
• At the moment we don’t have a lot of scientific information about:
– What are the important plants and animals? How much water they need?
How much water is there?
• But we need it for planning
• Need good research to underpin sustainable management
TRACK is helping provide some of that information.
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Analysis of Public participation in water planning
Poh-Ling Tan
Associate Professor of Law, Griffith University
Poh-Ling is a specialist in the relationships
between policy, the law and management of
water resources.
Key message: To establish ‘transparent and consultative’ process in water
planning means new approaches need to be adopted in the Kimberley.
WA’s Blueprint for reform calls on Department of Water to ‘identify and enable
opportunities to strengthen community engagement in the management of water (rec
63). Community engagement is important for
- building confidence in water reform
- identifying environmental and public benefit outcomes
- addressing indigenous water issues
The first round of planning in the Kimberley is regional water planning. From our
research in the Gulf and Ord, we have 3 key messages for regional planning in the
Kimberley.
1) The community needs a clear process and knowledge of their role. This includes
clear Terms of Reference for any community reference panel set up, early
workshops to tell general community what to expect, and how they can
contribute;
2) Involve the community in early issues identification, and together with agencies
find the facts/data to address those issues; and
3) Respect diversity of timeframes, culture, values and aspirations. Agencies should
encourage the talking and thinking about differences – participation must go
beyond giving information, or public meetings and submissions. In our research
we found an alarming absence of adequate Aboriginal participation and
representation
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Fitzcam – establishment of a Fitzroy Catchment
Reference Group
Hugh Wallace-Smith
FitzCAM Coordinator
(Now working for NAILSMA)
Hugh Wallace-Smith has worked in the
Kimberley on a range of projects including
Fitzroy Rivercare, Yiriman Youth Project and
more recently was the coordinator of the newly
established FitzCAM project. Hugh has now
moved to Darwin to be the coordinator for
NAILSMA’s indigenous water facilitators network.
“FitzCAM” stands for Fitzroy Catchment Action Management.
The main aspect of the job is to develop a framework that relates to all aspects of Fitzroy
River Catchment planning. Therefore facilitating meetings, workshops, forums and
fieldtrips with all stakeholder participants, with visits to Fitzroy Catchment communities,
pastoral stations, recreation groups and schools.
Particular emphasis will be on management of key assets, priorities & values (biological,
cultural, social), education & communication, partnerships/networks, mapping & research
projects, with discussions surrounding governance, policy, local economic initiatives,
enterprise development related ideas, leadership programs, etc.
Karen Daymon has replaced Hugh as the FitzCAM coordinator and she is based in
Fitzroy Crossing.
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Daly Case Study – establishment of a multi-
stakeholder process
Sue Jackson - CSIRO Researcher
Sue is a research scientist with CSIRO’s
Division of Sustainable Ecosystems in Darwin
and a member of the TRaCK Research
Executive. She is a geographer with a strong
interest in the social and cultural aspects of
natural resource management. In recent years
Sue has been researching Indigenous water
values and water planning processes and one of
her TRaCK projects is working in the Fitzroy
River (WA) where she will be working with
Indigenous communities to assess economic
and social significance of water and rivers.
Key message: Help people to be good representatives on water planning
committees
Sue looked at the public participation process in the Daly River region and described the
role of the Daly River Community Reference Group (CRG), particularly issues affecting
Aboriginal representation on that group. For example, Aboriginal people had diverse
interests in land and water resources (economic, environmental, social, cultural) and yet
the full range of their concerns were not addressed. Most attention was given to cultural
heritage management and there was not enough time was provided for proper
consultations with the 11 language groups. Many Aboriginal people were concerned about
the representation and after a period of some conflict, the NT Government accepted many
of the changes Aboriginal people and other stakeholders wanted; including a properly
resourced Aboriginal Reference Group for the Daly River, better information on the river
flows, water use options and economic development strategies. A new management
structure has been established and progress made towards a more inclusive and evidence-
based approach.
In the talk I also made some tentative comments about what Kimberley people might learn
from the Daly River experience:
Allow plenty of time for community participation
Include Aboriginal people in discussions about economic development and
environmental flows
Take account of Aboriginal people’s methods of decision-making
Help people to be good representatives
Look for open processes and find expertise to explore options
Be clear about planning steps
Reflect on how you are going, look for improvements
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La Grange allocation planning process
Roy Stone
Water Planner Department of Water
With a background in Engineering, Roy is a
Program Manger in charge of the WA
Department of Water’s Regional Water Planning
program. This strategic water planning program
includes the Pilbara and Kimberley regions in
Western Australia. He has 30 years experience
on water resource management, in particular,
regional water planning and environmental water
planning.
Key messages: Proactive planning better than reactive and best to involve key
stakeholders very early.
Integrating values studies (cultural and environmental) works.
The La Grange groundwater allocation planning process provides a useful case study on
indigenous engagement in water resource planning.
The La Grange groundwater area, south of Broome, was the subject of a large scale
irrigation proposal in 1998 to grow cotton. There was considerable local opposition to the
proposal, particularly from Traditional Owners. A water allocation planning process was
initiated by the Department of Water to engage with the key stakeholders as part of its
assessment of the irrigation proposal. Most of the groundwater area was covered by the
Karajarri native title claim and the cotton growing proposal as well as the water planning
became inextricably linked with the native title determination process.
The Department has been acknowledged for strong indigenous engagement in water
planning, by involving them properly in identifying the indigenous cultural values in
conjunction with the environmental values of groundwater dependant features.
The Department is now trying to finalise the La Grange groundwater management plan for
public release.
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La Grange Translation Project
Dean Mathews
Department of Water
Dean is undertaking a traineeship with the
Department of Water. Dean has previous
experience in the pearling and irrigation
industry. His work at the Department has
included community engagement in planning,
water licensing and groundwater surveys and
will also include some experience in waterways
management and groundwater and surface
water measurement.
Translation DVD project
I took out the main points from the WA State Water Plan and the draft La Grange Water
Plan and simplified them into plain English. Then, working with the Kimberley
Interpreting Service and Karajarri traditional owners Mervyn (Mulat) Mulardy and Anna
Dwyer, the plan was translated into a Kriol/Karajarri language mix. We then took this
translated script and went out on country in La Grange to film Mervyn speaking about the
water plan in language. I then blended this footage with some photos and maps and also
added local Karajarri music.
The DVD has already been a valuable communication tool to help the Karajarri Native
Title Holders understand the La Grange groundwater Management Plan which is to be
released this year for community comments by the Department of Water.
The greatest challenge for me, as well as simplifying concepts and terminology of both
Water Plans, was learning the technology to edit and create a DVD with such a tight time
frame.
Not only is it a communication tool but it is also another way for Government and non-
government organisation’s to engage with Indigenous people on the ground to talk about
water with respect for Indigenous law and culture. It can be used as an example for
other staff across the State.
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Joint Management: Lake Argyle Water Reserve
Paul Rosair (left)
Director of Business Operations for the
Department of Water
Paul is the Director of Business
Operations for the Department of Water
and has responsibility for Regional
Operations, Indigenous Affairs and
water measurement across the State.
Lawford Benning (right)
Project Officer with OES - MG Corp
Lawford is a Miriuwung man with connection
to Bilbidjing country. Lawford has worked for
a range of organisations, using his strong
communication skills in liaison and
communication roles always with an aim to
strengthening his community. He currently
works as a project officer for the Ord
Enhancement Scheme, a program intended
to address the adverse social and economic
impacts that Ord Stage 1 has had on the
lives of Miriuwung Gajerrong peoples.
As part of the Ord Final Agreement the Department of Water and Miriuwung Gajerrong
have entered into a Joint Management arrangement for Reserve 31165 which is a
parcel of land at the bottom end of Lake Argyle.
The reserve is jointly managed by the Department of Water and the MG Corporation for
the purposes of:
a. protection of the water resource values of Lake Argyle and Ord River Dam;
b. the protection of Lake Argyle’s wetland values; and
c. maintenance and enhancement of the traditional culture of the MG People.
The partnership developed has been strong and educational and the committee has
written a management plan that focuses on the 3 lease purposes but with a longer
term view of building peoples ability to manage and enjoy their country with
sustainable futures.
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38
Building Strong Riverside Communities
Anne Poelina
Managing Director Madjulla Inc.
Master Education, Master Public Health and
Tropical Medicine, Master Arts (Indigenous
Social Policy). Anne is a Nyikina woman
(Yimardoowarra marnin) with 30 years
experience working in health, education,
language maintenance, Indigenous
publishing, empowerment evaluation, clinical
practice, consultancy, kinship and cultural
associations. Anne has guided Madjulla Inc.’s
program planning and development to
targeted education, training and research
which focused on building the partnership
capacity of Indigenous communities with
government, academic and corporate
sectors. Anne is currently completing doctoral
studies.
Key message: Need to develop strategies that will ensure the preservation and
the management of the river for generations to come
Protecting the Mardoowarra (Fitzroy River).
The presentation in film identified the significant natural and cultural values of the
Mardoowarra. The presentation advocates the need for stronger legislative protection.
The Mardoowarra has the potential to be an important contribution to the Australian
National Reserve System and National River Systems, which aims to establish a
comprehensive, adequate and representative system of protected areas in Australia.
Riverside communities are looking to establish research partnerships with social
scientist and economists to generate a sound evidence base of economic modeling on
alternative industries to secure sound investment for capital and production costs
associated with; niche cattle markets & production, cultural tourism, bush medicines
and foods, water rights, storage & sale of water, sandalwood/rosewood plantation.
These strategies will ensure the preservation and the management of the river for
generations to come.
Contact Anne Poelina – email majala@wn.com.au mobile: 0408922155
www.majala.com.au
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39
Working together: Collaborative wetland research
Sarah Yu
Sarah has as lived in the Broome region for
over 30 years, working with many Aboriginal
organisations in a variety of roles. She has
participated in a range of collaborative research
projects with the Kimberley Land Council,
University of WA, the Waters and Rivers
Commission and the Tropical Savanna CRC to
record cultural values and ethno-biological data
in the west Kimberley region. Sarah is
currently undertaking anthropological and
curatorial work focusing on relationships
between people and their historical and cultural
connections to country.
Key Message: We need to know much more about how the water works in our
regions. To do this we need to develop collaborative research that:
• Respects culture and history
• Encourages connections between people and country
Sarah has done research into wetlands over many years with Peter Clancy and family,
Harry & John Watson & families, Edna Hopiga & family, Mervyn Mulardy and family,
Norman Munro & family, Vic Semeniuk and his team, and Roy Stone. They have
studied areas such as: La Grange (with Karajarri people), Walangkarr (Edgar Ranges) &
Jirrkaliy (Geeguly Creek).
3 research principles: Culture and History, Collaboration and Connection
Some other important lessons when working with people include: Respect protocols –
always ask before going anywhere; Select research sites of scientific & cultural
significance; organize joint field trips; Collect and record information; Share
information (& have some fun); write up information and bring it back to the group
with a view to re-edit and make recommendations; produce communication materials.
Over the years we have learnt: how wetlands are formed and developed; shared
concepts & taxonomies; acknowledged damage and destruction of land use; explored
significant cultural values (story - interconnection – responsibility); significant scientific
values (global - national - regional
Connection: people with country; old with young; scientists and TOs
Collaboration: respect; partnership; on-the-job training; good scientific & cultural data.
Where to from here: Record, record, record; Unfinished business: Follow -up on what
we have begun; Keep working together.
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40
Recreational Fishing
Jeff Cooper
RecFishWest
Jeff is a recreational fisher who is passionate
about fishing in the Kimberley and about
sustaining the environment to support these
activities for the benefit of all people.
This talk focused on the impact of waterways on recreational fishing and the impact of
rec fishers on waterways.
Approximately 3.36M Australians go fishing every year, but despite the high numbers
only 4.3% are members of fishing clubs. This would suggest that the size of the fishing
community in Broome would be approximately 7900 people. This figure represents
close to half the population of Broome and does not include the massive number of
transients that visit Broome and ‘wet a line’.
The health of Kimberley waterways is vital to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems
and fisheries they sustain. Furthermore healthy waterways are essential to the
recreational fishing experience. Fishers enjoy their activity for reasons of higher priority
than to catch fish. Fishers will undertake their activity to ‘relax and unwind’, ‘to be with
family’, and to ‘enjoy the outdoors’. Healthy waterways are paramount to fulfilling
these important social objectives.
However as much as recreational anglers acknowledge the importance of healthy
waterways in supporting their activity, many fail to acknowledge the adverse impact
recreational anglers can have on the environment. Litter and habitat degradation as a
result of careless recreational fishing practices has a negative impact on the
environment and overall sustainability of the system. This is a key issue that requires
coordinated support from many different sectors to overcome.
Overall recreational fishing is a highly valued pastime in the Kimberley, and an activity
that attracts visitors from all over the world to our pristine waterways. To maintain the
unique Kimberley fishing experience our waterways need to be managed and handled
with utmost care and respect. After all fishing is only as good as the environment that
you are in to enjoy it.
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41
Economic Development
Kelvin Barr - Deputy Director
Kimberley Development Commission
Kelvin has lived in the Kimberley for over 18
years and has worked in the State,
Commonwealth and non-government
sectors. He has worked with the Kimberley
Development Commission for nearly eight
years, initially as the Commission’s Regional
Economist and then as the Deputy Director
for more than 5 years.
The presentation from Kelvin Barr, Deputy Director of the Kimberley Development
Commission focused upon a range of Kimberley issues associated with what is driving
development, what the future could look like and how is the region going to develop.
These broad topics were covered off by a snapshot of the dollar value of major
industries in the Kimberley and the growing value of production and identified
resources, tourism, agriculture, construction and service industries as being the major
drivers into the future.
The presentation identified that with growth, the pressures upon public amenity,
residential capacity, industry capability and quality of life were all factors that should be
considered in planning the region’s future usage and access to valuable resources, such
as water. The presentation also focused upon indigenous employment imperatives and
identified major industries as providing the best opportunities for large scale
employment opportunities, but did not discount the small business sector as another
major contributor.
The ‘takeaway’ message from the presentation related to the need for planners to
understand the growth pressures and likely scenarios as the most important factors in
planning for a future Kimberley that should be applied equally to land-use planning,
resource planning and conservation planning.
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42
Pastoralism, agricultural and horticultural sectors
Chris Ham
Project Manager for the New Opportunities
for Tropical and Pastoral Agriculture, based in
Broome at the Department of Agriculture and
Food.
Key message: Irrigated agriculture has many different forms and if adapted
locally and managed well it will be a positive contributor to the North West
regions.
Nationally there has been a decline in Agricultural production, instigating much debate
about the potential of the North of Australia to fill this gap. Agricultural development in
North Western Australia is and has been occurring for many decades; mostly privately
funded and resourced (outside the Ord Irrigation Area).
The Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) manages a
number of projects looking at the potential for irrigated agriculture across the
Kimberley and Pilbara, including the Ord River Irrigation area. These projects are
focused on developing new scenarios for sustainable agriculture in consultation with
stakeholders.
Feedback from stakeholders on the past, present and future of agriculture in the West
Kimberley and Pilbara has been sought and documented by DAFWA. This report is
available from the DAFWA Broome office. As a result of the consultation a number of
important issues have been raised and are being carefully considered.
Future development is likely to occur either through privately driven proposals or
through longer term government led processes. As a region we need to work together
to support sustainable development and establish the research, planning and
administrative processes required to manage the future.
By working collaboratively across disciplines, consulting appropriately and learning from
our local experience the DAFWA is encouraging local enterprises to develop or expand,
considering new sites for sustainable production and methods to increase investment in
and production from our rangelands region. For further information please contact the
Department of Agriculture and Food, Broome office.
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43
Getting Legal Protection for the Fitzroy River
Dr Gary Scott - Freshwater Campaigner,
Environs Kimberley
EK is a Broome-based environment group
working to conserve the nature and culture of
the Kimberley. His work is centred on
securing the long-term legal protection of the
Fitzroy River, thereby ensuring that the river
maintains its free-flowing nature into the
forseeable future. His position is supported
by the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The Kimberley Freshwater Campaign is
supported by the Australian Conservation
Foundation
Key message: The people of the region are able to participate in planning for
the region, are supported by government in that process, and their views are
respected and included when implementing planning outcomes.
Building on a decade of previous campaigning to protect the Fitzroy River from dams,
canals and large-scale cotton growing schemes, Environs Kimberley (EK) and the
Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) launched the Kimberley Freshwater
Campaign in March 2007. The aim is to secure long-term legal protection for the Fitzroy
River by 2010 in a way that is consistent with Traditional Owner rights and interests.
In April 2007 the WA Opposition announced that, if elected, a Liberal government
would pursue a plan to dam the upper reaches of the Fitzroy River and investigate
piping water to Perth. In response, the current WA Minister for Water Resources, John
Kobelke, said that the only way Fitzroy River water should be used by the south-west of
the state was to allow the water to flow into the Indian Ocean and then be desalinated
when it reaches Perth.
The WA Government is also in the process of drafting important new water legislation.
From a conservation perspective it is important that the new legislation allows
waterways with high conservation and cultural values, such as the Fitzroy River, to be
declared ‘significant’.
In order to secure the long-term future of the Fitzroy River, legal measures would need
to achieve the following goals:
provide statutory protection for the river.
recognise native title rights and associated Traditional Owner interests.
establish a governance framework based on partnership.
prohibit some damaging activities in Fitzroy River Catchment (e.g. new dams
and weirs, broad-scale land clearing, large-scale water extraction).
maintain bottom-line ecological thresholds and ensure protection of cultural
values.
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44
Yiriman Project
Freshwater Sawfish project Jarlmadangah Rangers
Daryl Coombs (left)
Daryl is the coordinator for the Yiriman
program
Travis Fazeldean (right)
Jarlmadangah ranger
Key Message: Water Planning means training young people
The Jarlmadangah rangers, via the Yiriman project have been working with scientists
from Murdoch University for a number of years to research populations and behaviours
of the endangered freshwater sawfish in the Fitzroy River. This work has included:
- Skills building: Learning to use nets, GPS devices, satellite tagging equipment,
maps, identification procedures, computer and map training.
- Monitoring river fauna: Acoustic and Satellite tagging of sawfish; Exploring how
freshwater sawfish are connected to the other 39 species of fish in the Fitzroy
River
- Management on country means being trained in scientific and traditional
knowledge
The team has also assisted with, and starred in a documentary for the program
Catalyst. The program was shown at the forum.
We need and want to understand the issues affecting our river!
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45
The Kimberley Caring for Country Plan
Will Philippiadis
Indigenous Land Management Facilitator
Will works for the Australian government,
based out of the Kimberley Land Council
office in Broome. Will has resided in the
Kimberley for around 11 years and during
that time has worked extensively with
Kimberley Aboriginal people on a variety of
natural and cultural resource management
projects. He is currently assisting the
Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group for
NRM to develop a Kimberley-wide Caring for
Country Plan to complement the regions
existing Natural Resource Management
Strategy.
Key message: Planning needs to:
include mechanisms for appropriate engagement of Aboriginal people
respect & accommodate different perspectives
build on existing processes
Aboriginal perspectives in Caring for Country encompass a broad range of values that
are broader than NRM. There is a really strong sense that land, law, language and
culture are cornerstones to well-being, and that they underpin these broader values for
looking after country. Any planning framework must respect/accommodate these
values.
There have been many occasions where these values have been documented and
promoted such as big meetings at Crocodile Hole & Bungarun and these should be used
in planning, rather than starting again. The Caring for Country Plan builds on the
Healthy Country Strategy as a planning process that includes indigenous values.
Kimberley Aboriginal people have set up their own regional organisations and
governance structures to underpin the concept of land law language and culture and
this needs to be recognised in formal planning processes. One of those structures is the
Kimberley Aboriginal Reference Group (KARG), set up by Aboriginal people as a voice in
the NRM dialogue
Takes time to do business in the Kimberley and it can be expensive so building on the
structures and processes already in place is critical.
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46
Where to next with WA Govt Water planning?
Roy Stone Department of Water
Roy is a planner with Department of Water based in the
Perth office. Roy has had many years experience in water
planning and is recognised for his work with the
community in La Grange.
Susie Williams Department of Water
Susie is part of the Kimberley regional planning team and
is based in Kununurra. Her role is to lead the planning
process in the region connecting community, industry and
researchers with the planning process.
There are several levels of basic planning being undertaken by the State Government.
State Water Plan – very broad overarching plan that adopts the Commonwealth principles
through the National Water Initiative.
Regional Water Plans – We are about to embark on a Kimberley Regional Water Plan which
is a strategic plan to guide water resource management in the region.
Allocation Plans (such as Ord and La Grange) – these are catchment scale plans that
outline water sharing and management rules for particular areas.
The Department is developing a Kimberley Regional Plan and other smaller scale plans
alongside like the La Grange plan. Different levels of planning require different levels of
detail and input. An allocation plan needs more on-ground communication with people
about water sharing and resource management. A Regional-level plan requires more
broad-scale information and principles for water management which then needs to be
checked by some key groups. Our regional planning team will be carrying this out over the
next couple of years, trying to involve the right people at the right level of detail so as not
to confuse, complicate or over-consult people.
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47
The Organising Committee
CONTACT:
Susie Williams at
Department of Water, Kununurra
9166 4103
Susie.williams@water.wa.gov.au
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