Freshwater springs and wetlands on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert have huge cultural and ecological significance to the area’s Traditional Owners.
The State Groundwater Investigation Program (SGIP) is working with the Traditional Owners to assess the connections between groundwater and these important ecosystems, in one of the driest parts of our state.
The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, ‘Be Brave. Make Change’ is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations, and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation and to Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
The SGIP currently funds a suite of groundwater investigations across Western Australia to ensure government and industry has timely knowledge of water resources suitable for drinking water supplies, agriculture, horticulture, mining and industry in areas where it is most needed.
Water Resource Science manager Josephine Searle said investigations will enable the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to continue managing groundwater abstraction without unacceptable impacts on groundwater dependent features, such as wetlands and important cultural sites.
Recently the department's project team was out on Country with Karajarri Elders to assess suitable locations for the department’s drilling program and working with the Karajarri Traditional Lands Trust Association rangers to install monitoring equipment.
“Before work could begin, the team were introduced to the wetlands through a cultural practice that makes up part of the oldest continuous culture in the world,” Josephine said.
During the two days at the Malupurti wetland complex, which is around four hours out of Broome, several locations were selected that were culturally appropriate and met the department's scientific requirements, and two hand-augered piezometers were installed.
At the end of daily fieldwork, department staff were able to yarn around a campfire over a warm cuppa with the Traditional Owners.
“In the evenings, the team were also able to progress work on a Collaboration Agreement the department has been developing with the Karajarri Traditional Lands Trust Association, over damper and tea around the campfire,” Josephine said.
