- New waterwise plan outlines the next steps towards building a more water efficient Perth-Peel region
- Focus on whole-of-government approach and Aboriginal engagement in future water resource management
- Plan to help tackle impacts of climate change on precious water resources
The new, two-year plan further supports the State Government’s ongoing commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change on our precious water resources, through water-saving initiatives and the creation of climate-resilient, liveable urban spaces.
Water Minister Hon Dave Kelly MLA launched the Plan to start National Water Week in October 2022.
“The 41 actions in this plan will help us to conserve our water resources and, at the same time, support urban greening, biodiversity, the tree canopy and urban cooling to create climate-resilient communities,” Minister Kelly said.
“To support climate resilience and to protect our water resources, it is critical that we take the steps to transition Boorloo and Bindjareb to waterwise communities.”
Kep Katitjin and Gabi Kaadadjan are the Whadjuk and Bindjareb Noongar terms for ‘water knowledge’. ‘Water knowledge is a life commitment for Noongar Aboriginal people, or part of our ongoing cultural connection to our boodja and kep or gabi’, George Walley, Bindjareb Elder said.The plan will see collaborative work and co-design with Danjoo Koorliny leaders and Bindjareb Elders on initiatives to heal the waterways and to develop an approach to delivering enduring waterwise outcomes on Whadjuk and Bindjareb country.
The management of our precious water with shared knowledge and wisdom is at the heart of this plan. It has been given a Noongar name by Noongar people to honour and respect the knowledge and understanding that Traditional Owners provide in waterwise management, conservation and spiritual practices that have kept the Country and the people healthy and in balance, and we thank them for that naming.
"The cosmology, or everything that we know is about what we have listened to and have learned from our Elders,” George Walley, Bindjareb Elder said. "Now it is up to us to teach those who are going to benefit and teach others. This walking together is important.”
Hotter and drier days coupled with a growing population have made Western Australia look to the necessity of a waterwise future, to ensure Boorloo and Bindjareb remain liveable.
