Water is woven through all parts of life – spirituality, culture, family, kinship, health, healing and more.

The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water has embarked on a three-year journey to hear First Nations peoples' stories, views and aspirations about water.

We are taking time to listen and learn about their connections to Country and what water means to mob. We want to hear a diversity of voices. We recognise that every community will have different views and perspectives.

What we hear will be collated to develop a First Nations water strategy and support the reframing of our relationships with First Nations peoples.

About the First Nations water strategy

The First Nations water strategy will guide how our department walks with First Nations communities to achieve better water outcomes for everyone.

We want the stories, views, and aspirations you share with us to help shape a better way forward. We hope the insights we gather and the relationships we build through this process will support our work on a range of policies, projects and programs in the future.

We want to hear from you. We won’t be able to visit every community or speak with every person face to face. This site provides opportunities for you to share your stories, views and aspirations and learn more about the work we are doing. There are several ways you can provide input.

• Take the survey and tell us what water means to you
• Sign up to get updates about the project and find out about planned yarning sessions in your area
• Email us if you’re interested in setting up a community-led water yarning circle in your area.

If you would like to have a yarn with someone in the project team, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email FNWS@rdmw.qld.gov.au

The government also consults First Nations communities on a number of specific ideas about the way water is managed in Queensland.

These include water plan reviews, regional water assessments, and water infrastructure projects.

These conversations are usually focussed on a single project, policy or regions and happen over a short period of time.

You can read about some of our consultations and projects on the department’s website.

The First Nations water strategy is different. It is not about a single policy, plan or catchment area. The yarning we are doing now will help to shape how our department walks alongside First Nations communities to achieve better water outcomes for everyone.

Connections across Country

This artwork was created to tell the story of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and its significance to a thriving and sustainable Queensland.

It’s a team that cares about each other and the people it serves and values the essential connections it makes along the way.

At the centre of the artwork are the First Nations voices, knowledge, and perspectives that are vital to the department’s work. Circular elements representing regional development, manufacturing, and water are closely connected.

The department’s collective journey to build and maintain authentic and meaningful relationships radiates from the centre.

First Nations manufacturing and innovation is represented by boomerangs throughout and Queensland’s diverse landscapes can be seen.

The department is dedicated to creating better opportunities for Queensland’s regions to improve the lives of all who live there – for today and for generations to come.

By strengthening its relationships with First Nations peoples all over Queensland, the department’s connections across Country can help build a more prosperous and equitable state to be shared and enjoyed by all.

This artwork concept and narrative was developed by David Williams. David is a proud Wakka Wakka artist at Gilimbaa.