Aboriginal engagement and partnerships

We are committed to listening to, learning from, and building stronger partnerships with Traditional Owners in the management of our precious environment and water resources.
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The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation supports Western Australia’s community, economy and environment by managing and regulating the state’s environment and water resources.

We recognise the importance of a partnership approach with First Nations people to protect and manage Western Australia’s environment and water resources. We acknowledge their role, significant cultural knowledge and connection to Country and living waters such as rivers, springs, soaks, jilas, and saltwater. We are committed to listening to, learning from, and building stronger partnerships with Traditional Owners in the management of our precious environment and water resources.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a journey and a collaborative partnership with Reconciliation Australia. It provides a framework for us to continuously develop and strengthen our reconciliation commitments and ensure we are genuinely inclusive, supporting and advocating for generational change. Other strategies and government priority reforms and targets that drive our work include our Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy, cultural heritage, Native Title settlements and our long-term strategic workforce and diversity planning.

You can read about some of our initiatives below.