left to right: Kailah Robson DWER, Selva Marimuthu Yamatji Water Company (YWC), Mike Hollett YWC, Lyric Papertalk YWC, Laurie Barlow YWC, Alan Bradley DWER
The contract will see the Yamatji Water Company, established by the Yamatji Nation, provide trained personnel to monitor the region's water resources, thanks to a comprehensive training program for Yamatji Nation Water Monitors, supported by DWER.
Funding has been allocated for a water monitor training program so Yamatji Nation Traditional Owners can develop accredited monitoring skills and deliver monitoring services to the department, other government agencies and the private sector.
This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the economic independence and self-determination of the Yamatji people through the sustainable development and management of water resources within the region.
"The training of Yamatji water monitors is a key element of our partnership, ensuring that Yamatji people are not only participants but future leaders in the sustainable management of their water resources,” DWER A/ Director, Regional Services, Fleur Coaker said.
“This initiative reflects our acknowledgement that we need to create opportunities for Aboriginal people and consider traditional knowledge and practices, integrating them into our modern environmental stewardship approaches."
In completing this training at Central Regional TAFE, Yamatji Nation Water Monitors will be equipped with the necessary skills and accreditation to perform their roles of enhancing the management and protection of water resources on Yamatji lands.
The program also supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality monitoring services to DWER, other government agencies, and the private sector.
It builds the skills of water monitors through a range of training at TAFE, and work placement at DWER’s Geraldton office, with rotations at IlUKA Resources, 29 Metals and the Water Corporation. ATC Worksmart, a local regional training organisation, has overseen the program.
“The Water Trainees project demonstrates the effectiveness of delivering on the opportunities that have been included in the ILUA Agreement,” Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC) Acting Chief Executive Officer Luka Gray said.
“YSRC is proud to be working closely with DWER and the Yamatji Water Company in delivering opportunities for Yamatji people to create careers that involve working on country.
“As water technicians employed in Yamatji Water they will be undertaking water monitoring services for Government and commercial clients on Yamatji Country.
“I am excited to say we are now recruiting for the next group of water trainees to be involved with DWER and Yamatji Water.”
The ILUA Agreement provides the people of the Yamatji Nation with a package of benefits that compensates them for acts that have impaired or extinguished their native title. Initiatives under this agreement included the creation of a Strategic Aboriginal Water Reserve, significant funding for groundwater investigations, and an Aboriginal Water Monitor Training Program.
This announcement marks a significant step forward in the ongoing partnership between the State Government and the Yamatji Nation, highlighting a shared commitment to reconciliation, sustainable development, and the empowerment of Indigenous communities.
