FCTOA representatives with CSIRO, University of Technology Sydney and Greening Australia staff on the first day of the most recent forum. Photo: Mad Dog Productions.
The FCTOA is made up of two representatives from each of the 17 Traditional Owner groups in the Fitzroy Catchment in Central Queensland, and this event brought together 14 Traditional Owner representative groups.
“All of us 17 Traditional Owner groups are connected by the waters that flow through our rivers,” said Deborah Tull, who represents the Gangalu Nation on the FCTOA working group. “The water is the blood in our veins, it keeps us going.”
Iman Elder Heather Tobane, one of the Traditional Owners at the most recent forum, said: “There’s a lot we can do, and if we stick together, we can be heard as the one voice.”
The proudly independent Alliance advocates for action, knowledge sharing and collective decision-making on whole-of-Basin issues, and to work on establishing respectful partnerships with key stakeholders. The forums are supported by investors and organisations who engage with Traditional Owners on Basin-wide issues.
This most recent forum for the FCTOA was supported by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO; the Queensland Government’s Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water; and Fitzroy Basin Association.
Some key areas of focus included:
The outcomes of the forum were:
The forums bring Fitzroy Catchment Traditional Owners together for collective decision-making and advocacy on Basin-wide issues. Photo: Mad Dog Productions.
At the end of the event, Fitzroy Catchment Traditional Owners Alliance representatives gave positive and hopeful feedback:
Great meeting allowing all to be heard.
First time I have seen this many Traditional Owner groups coming together with one common goal. Keep doing what you are doing, heading in the right direction.
Thumbs up having all Traditional Owner groups working towards the same goal.
The FCTOA seeks to enable the obligation of Traditional Owners to care for country and to drive the spiritual, cultural and connective significance of the Fitzroy Basin as:
A unified, inclusive, proactive and accountable forum to enable a universal duty in caring for people, culture and Country our way.
A forum that can influence policies, plans and actions affecting the Basin as a living thing, and that helps to proactively build the self-determination of local Traditional Owner groups and their communities, including youth, emerging leaders and elders.
This means a Forum that establishes respectful partnerships and transparent communications and is a vehicle for growing Indigenous leadership and aspirational pathways across the Basin to secure healthy Country and healthy People.
Male Fitzroy Catchment Traditional Owners in discussion with CSIRO and UTS staff during a gendered workshop session. Photo: Mad Dog Productions.
The FCTOA Working Group of six Traditional Owners will continue to progress the business of the Alliance to influence policies, plans and actions affecting the Basin as a living thing.
They are supported by Greening Australia (as the FCTOA’s friendly host) and two independent facilitators who provide governance and policy advice: Allan Dale (the TNQ Drought Hub) and Bino Toby (Gangulu Consultancy).
Planning is underway for the next Fitzroy Catchment Traditional Owners Alliance forum, to be held in early 2025.
To learn more, connect with the FCTOA, or support a forum, get in touch: admin@fctoa.org.au