Topic: Water for Remote First Nations Communities in Australia
| In 2021, the Northern Territory Government’s Office of Water Security commissioned Jimmy Cocking, Principal Consultant at Northern Possibilities, to undertake a series of consultation meetings with members of the Barkly, Central Desert and MacDonnell Regional Councils and associated Local Authorities.
The aim of those consultations was to collect and collate the perspectives of Territorians in remote parts of the Central Australian region through Regional Council consultation to inform the development of the Northern Territory Strategic Water Plan. The report, Central Australian Communities Engagement on Water Directions Paper, was finalised in May 2022 and is available online at this link. Northern Territory Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper |
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Objectives of the review
This consultation process was not designed to gauge the degrees to which people were concerned or what the ranked priorities are – but to better understand what issues people face in bush communities and what people would like to see when it comes to water.
This consultation process was an important first step towards engaging Territorians living in remote parts of Central Australia on the future of water in the region. This submission provides a better understanding of the needs, concerns and aspirations of local leaders in these communities and ensures the voices of Central Australian communities contribute to development of the NT Strategic Water Plan.
Consultation process
A total of 25 consultations were conducted between 25 November 2021 and 31 March 2022 with members of the Barkly, Central Desert and MacDonnell Regional Councils and associated Local Authorities. The Yeperenye Joint Park Management Committee also participated in a workshop.
Some meetings were conducted in person, while others were done through video conferences or by phone.
This consultation process was also the first time that most of the Local Authority members had been specifically engaged on issues regarding water.
Methodology
The report shows all comments and remarks that have been captured from the Local Authority members during the consultations. All meeting notes are available in the report.
According to the author, after each meeting that was held, the meeting notes were read back to the LA members to ensure they were happy with what had been recorded.
Key findings
The key themes that were discussed during each of the 25 meetings across the consultations have been summarised as follows:
- Water is precious and valued by communities
- Poor water quality and source sustainability is costing money and livelihoods
- Communities respond to water source security issues when supported to do so
- From paternalism to giving agency: Information and engagement is key
- ‘Talking about water’ campaign
- Water at outstations is a universal concern
- Communities know what they need and want
- Collaboration and coordination needed to address wicked problems
- Reduce inequity in water access, foster better relationships
Some of the comments and remarks that have been captured from the Local Authority members during the consultations have been encapsulated below.
Water is precious and valued by communities
‘…the quality of drinking water in communities is a primary concern for those with poor quality water. While people value the importance of water in community, the quality of that water is directly related to their quality of life”.
“Excessive water use is a concern in many communities. Leaks in houses, leaks in connecting pipes in public areas and water wasting behaviours are recognised as impacting on the water security in the community”
“Different way of using water – town vs bush – water creation stories. Cleaning water holes to keep them safe… Need to educate young people about water. Bush people – how you want to look after water and how you use it”. (Ti Tree LA Meeting)
Poor water quality and source sustainability is costing money and livelihoods
“The calcification of household taps, toilets, air conditioning units, kettles and washing machines is costing residents and the NT Government … a lot of money”.
“The reported delays in housing and plumbing repairs as a direct result of the calcification compounded frustrations and the health risks associated with not having functional air conditioners during the hotter months”.
“The impacts of leaks had the impact of dulling people’s senses to water conservation as people get ‘disenchanted’ with reporting”.
“The concerns in Lajamanu where visitors and workers to town bring in boxed water and don’t drink the same water as the community generated concern for the health impacts of their local drinking water.”
From paternalism to giving agency: Information and engagement is key
“All Local Authorities reported that they wanted more information and more engagement with Power and Water to better understand their water situation”.
“Almost all Local Authorities expressed a desire to be provided with more information and regular engagement in regards to their water quality and source sustainability.”
Communities know what they need and want
“Water is recognised as a key enabler but also a limitation on community development”.
“Water stressed communities have less opportunities for development but also are keen through sheer necessity to explore options for increasing water sustainability”.
“Using solar power was suggested as means to offset the energy costs of water filtration systems”.
“…others raised that more people on communities need to be trained to be involved in water testing and supporting water saving efforts”.
Collaboration and coordination needed to address wicked problems
“There was a desire for more collaboration across the various levels of government and associated departments…”
“The most consistent issue raised was a lack of information and engagement of communities in regard to the water quality and source status reports”.
“The siloes of government are a source of frustration for communities as it is not clear ‘who is who’ when it comes to water…”
Credits
This case study was published in the Closing the Water – for People and Communities – Gap report, a review on the management of drinking water supplies in First Nations remote communities around Australia, November, 2022. The full report can be found here.
This case study was produced by Eric Vanweydeveld in collaboration with Jimmy Cocking for Water Services Association of Australia.