The NLC’s new Water Committee calls for investigation into NT water mismanagement

Water is sacred and vital for the Aboriginal communities across the NLC's seven regions. The NLC is committed to securing water rights that protect not only the lives and culture of current generations but also ensure environmental preservation and sustainable economic development for future generations.

The NLC calls for water policies that are fair, scientifically grounded, and start taking Aboriginal water rights seriously.

It has created a dedicated NLC Water Committee made up of 12 Council Members representing all of its seven regions. Chaired by Tony Jack, the Committee is committed to advocating for Aboriginal water rights and reserves, regulating permits for water access, and securing licenses that align with the cultural and economic interests of Aboriginal people.

Holding it first meeting last month (July 23-24), the Committee will come together regularly to address water rights issues, ensuring that the voices and concerns of Aboriginal people are heard and acted upon.

The Committee is particularly concerned about recent developments in water management across the NT, including the contentious Mataranka Water Plan and the alarming re-application for a 10,000 mega-litre water licence (which had already been denied as a result of an appeal in 2021). The Committee sees these actions as a disregard for Aboriginal interests and a continuation of the struggles faced by communities to protect their water resources.

These critical issues were most recently highlighted in an investigative report by the ABC’s 4 Corners, which aired last night. It featured NLC Water Committee member and Mangarrayi woman, Cecelia Lake, who guided journalists through the freshwater systems on her Country, showcasing the deep connection between Aboriginal people and their waterways.

The NLC stands in solidarity with the Traditional Owners who also spoke out about the mistreatment they had received as members of the Mataranka Water Advisory Committee, as part of this investigative report.

It is now imperative that the Federal Government undertake an investigation into land clearing, water management, and regulation in the NT. 

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

• Water is life for us. Our Council has been listening to Countrymen across the seven regions stress how important water is: culturally, for our health, and in terms of our sustainable future. We have heard their concerns about over allocation, loud and clear.
• This Water Committee will be a strong voice, stepping up the important work to protect Aboriginal Waters across the Top End.

• Quotes attributable to NLC Water Committee Chair Tony Jack:
• We have been out of the water discussion too long, meanwhile the governments have been moving ahead with plans that keep Aboriginal people out of the picture.
• But we have always been watching, listening and learning – from our Traditional Owners, Council Members, Rangers and the scientists – we are aware of the dangerous impacts to fresh water already, and the bigger risks if they keep going down this path.
• Through our Committee, the NLC wants water legislation and processes that include our Aboriginal people – protecting our ways of life that depended on thriving freshwater ecosystems, and also ensuring we are not locked out of opportunities for sustainable economic development linked to water.
• We have obligations not only to the land but to water through our culture, Lore, sacred sites and Songlines – we are all interconnected with it. This is why we are committed to looking after water for the benefit of all Australians, especially the future generations.
• The NT government needs to be more transparent. They need to engage with us, and listen to the independent scientists who have been working with Traditional Owners on the ground to get the true information. Together we are very worried about greedy water plans and the licencing to big industries. It is killing our rivers and it will destroy our way of life.