Background
The Yawuru people of Broome, in the West Kimberley, Western Australia, have managed water and land from the Bugarrigarra nyurdany. Yawuru’s vision is ‘Mabu liyan, mabu buru, mabu ngarrungunil’ — ‘good feeling, healthy country, strong community’. However, water in the region is under increasing development pressure.
Objectives
This case study aims to understand the water security issues in the Native Title area, the groundwater governance challenges, and the opportunities for improving groundwater governance.
Design and Methodology
This co-research project used a participatory action research methodology and ran from 2016-2019. The methods used were interviews and a literature review. The proposed AGC presentation also draws on Mathews’ many years of experience in Nyamba Buru Yawuru’s Land and Sea unit.
Data and results
Mathews will present his Yawuru perspective on water issues, opportunities, and some of the challenges faced by Traditional Owners. A holistic view of water security considers many factors, including the importance of groundwater flows into the nearby RAMSAR wetland and Roebuck Bay. Taylor & Mathews will then discuss some of the water governance gaps.
Conclusion
Yawuru water security would be supported by a more integrated approach to land/water governance and planning. Better cross-agency co-ordination is needed.