water resources, Aboriginal people divergent views about the level of protection, often identify and raise concerns about or a transitional/interim plan may be based ongoing connections with and access to on an undeveloped level of information. water resources for social, spiritual and cultural purposes. This includes a strong As part of the consultation with TOs, it may emphasis on opportunities to transmit those therefore be important to capture information connections to younger generations. Such about the existing level of protection and access and connection is consistently how effective it is in protecting a full range of identified as strongly linked with health, Aboriginal values and uses. In some wellbeing and development outcomes for instances the existing level of protection Aboriginal people, both at individual, might be considered as a base”, or of “low community, and intergenerational levels. As uneven benefit. It is important for the such, ongoing access and connection is a consultation process with TOs to facilitate key matter for decision makers to consider the views and information about what a when aiming to fulfil strategic goals as well better level of protection might look like. The as obligations (including in international advice under section 10.52 (above) has agreements) in relation to cultural values further information about strengthening the and uses of water resources by Aboriginal protection of Aboriginal values and uses. people. In some instances there could be
water resources, Aboriginal people often identify and raise concerns about ongoing connections with and access to water resources for social, spiritual and cultural purposes. This includes a strong emphasis on opportunities to transmit those connections to younger generations. Such access and connection is consistently identified as strongly linked with health, wellbeing and development outcomes for Aboriginal people, both at individual, community, and intergenerational levels. As such, ongoing access and connection is a key matter for decision makers to consider when aiming to fulfil strategic goals as well as obligations (including in international agreements) in relation to cultural values and uses of water resources by Aboriginal people. In some instances there could be divergent views about the level of protection, or a transitional/interim plan may be based on an undeveloped level of information. As part of the consultation with TOs, it may therefore be important to capture information about the existing level of protection and how effective it is in protecting a full range of Aboriginal values and uses. In some instances the existing level of protection might be considered as a “low base”, or of uneven benefit. It is important for the consultation process with TOs to facilitate the views and information about what a better level of protection might look like. The advice under section 10.52 (above) has further information about strengthening the protection of Aboriginal values and uses.
D17-6996-WRP-requirements-Part-14-Aboriginal.docx