Latest news
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The landscape of First Nations water rights and interests
28 March 2024
In late 2022, an interim Working Group of First Nations leaders was convened by Watertrust to help shape a Ministerial roundtable with the Hon Tanya Plibersek. Watertrust continued to support the Working Group as it explored the potential need and options to strengthen First Nations' participation in water policy reform nationwide. As part of that work, the Working Group sought a landscape map of organisations in Australia that have a role in furthering First Nations water rights and interests.
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Reflecting on our second year
30 June 2023
As Watertrust approaches its second anniversary, we are proud of our progress in the challenging water policy space. Our team has built productive relationships and co-developed a portfolio of impactful projects. Trust is essential in decision-making, and we are committed to improving processes in water policy.
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Using data to make better water decisions
03 May 2023
We tell stories with data to engage and inform water policy stakeholders to open out policy, challenge ‘magical thinking’ and increase the potential for conversation and dialogue on contentious water policy issues.
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Equity, fairness and justice in water policy reform
14 April 2023
Australia's water policy reforms of the last 30 years have prioritised efficiency gains from microeconomic reform alongside limited return of water to the environment and Indigenous cultural use. These reforms have met resistance often underpinned by narratives that reforms have been unfair and unjust.
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First Nations engagement in water policy reform
26 March 2023
Australia's existing water policy and management regimes do not always easily align with and integrate First Nations’ water rights, economic development aspirations or responsibilities to Country. In fact, when it comes to Australia's inland waters, First Nations people have fewer rights and less engagement in decision-making compared with their established land and sea rights.
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Measuring impact in our evaluation framework
06 January 2023
The Watertrust model presents a unique challenge for evaluation because we seek to effect change in complex systems. Rather than trying to measure impact, our evaluation approach needs to test our relevance, effectiveness, and contributions while remaining humble and avoiding claims that cannot be substantiated.
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Watertrust Australia moves into the refurbished Ian Potter House
07 October 2022
Watertrust Australia is thrilled to open up the office doors at our new premises at Ian Potter House, Canberra.