Two laws for running the Fitzroy River

Post Native Title determinations, many PBCs with few resources face important decisions about the future of their lands, including in the Fitzroy River catchment. In 2015, National Environmental Science Program’s (NESP) investigation of research priorities found that these PBCs and claimant groups wanted better tools for bringing their Indigenous knowledge and laws, together with science and Australian laws, to make good decisions. In this session, a NESP-supported team of scientists and Traditional Owners will showcase examples of relevant tools:
1. A 3D model of the Fitzroy Catchment: to show important places and connections.
The model was built by Traditional Owners and school students supported by CSIRO scientists in December 2017 and will support future planning by TO groups along the River
2. Seasons on the Fitzroy River: using calendars to show water dependencies and connections
Several groups in the Fitzroy catchment have produced seasonal calendars that provide a useful base to explore the relationships between the cycles of water and life on the river country.
3. Participatory scenarios and influence maps are being co-developed to support decision-making about future options
After the presentation, the 3D model, and seasonal calendars will be on display and the team available to talk.