DJANDAK (an enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), working on behalf of Djaara people is now jointly managing environmental water in the Coliban river system in central Victoria with waterway managers North Central Catchment Management Authority (NC CMA). This innovative approach has been formalised through a joint management agreement between the two organisations to jointly develop and deliver the seasonal watering proposal for the Coliban river for the 2026/27 water year.
Typically, Traditional Owners in Victoria are engaged as stakeholders, consulted on decisions made for environmental flows. This joint management approach has shifted the dial, moving Djaara into a collaborator role, empowered with a joint role for final endorsement of the 2026/27 seasonal watering proposal.
Joint management of environmental watering decisions for the Coliban river, which runs entirely on Djaara Country, has allowed traditional knowledge and practice to be incorporated as key considerations, alongside the ecological science to develop a robust understanding of the waterway and how best to support its values through the delivery of environmental water.
Joint management is delivering on Djaara strategic objectives to 'make decisions for Gatjin (water)' and 'manage environmental water' and the State Government's Water is Life policy for 'Traditional Owners have increased role in determining how environmental water is used for the purpose of healing Country'.
This joint management approach will be looked to be built upon for the development of 2027/28 seasonal water proposals, aiming to expand the model across more of the waterways on Djaara Country.