The Victorian Government recently announced that 1.39 gigalitres would be set aside for Traditional Owners as a result of savings generated by the Connections project (Foodbowl Modernisation Project).
The government is still working out the process with Traditional Owner groups.
The allocated water will be made available as water shares of different volumes and reliability across a range of systems in northern Victoria, consistent with the outcomes of water savings audit outcomes.
The water will need to be converted to water entitlements linked to particular water systems and trading zones.
Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations deputy chair and Tati Tati man, Brendan Kennedy, said the decision to set aside these water savings was significant.
“We hope to see this approach become standard practice moving forward in Victoria,” Mr Kennedy said.
“The Victorian Government has demonstrated that even in fully and over-allocated systems, such as the Murray-Darling Basin, it is possible to return water entitlements to Traditional Owners.
“MLDRIN now challenges other southern basin states — NSW, ACT and South Australia — and their respective water ministers to meet this benchmark as a minimum standard.”
MLDRIN chair Grant Rigney said the Federal Government had failed to act on its 2018 commitment of $40 million for First Nations water access for cultural and economic outcomes.
“It’s time for the southern basin state governments to step up,’’ Mr Rigney said.
“I would welcome a call from relevant water ministers to discuss as a matter of urgency how to implement a similar approach within their respective jurisdictions.”
The Victorian Government says Traditional Owners will determine how they use the water.
There may be a desire to use water to care for Country — such as improving flows in rivers or wetlands. However, nothing would preclude Traditional Owners from using the water for commercial or other purposes as they choose.
Likewise, Traditional Owners may choose to provide the water to other places, with the consent of the relevant land manager.
The government said any water orders would need to be placed with the relevant water corporation, as is the process for any other water user.
