Major award for project planning

A project involving sensitive cultural negotiations has won Gmmwater major accolades at Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

The corporation won an Environmental Justice category at the awards for implementing a memorandum of understanding with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.

In 2016, Gwmwater received Victorian and Commonwealth government funding to develop a 1300-kilometre South West Loddon Pipeline Project.

Large portions of the pipeline involved crossing the Dja Dja Wurrung clan country, some of it with significant cultural and historic value.

Gwmwater managing director Mark Williams said the corporation drew on experience from construction of the Wimmera-mallee Pipeline and other cross-country pipeline projects to recognise the importance of engaging early with traditional owners.

“Our commitment was to help document the story of indigenous occupation to the extent that it could be learned from the planning for and the delivery of the pipeline as well as ensuring that no sites of significance were disturbed,” he said.

Mr Williams said close consultation with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation identified that a formal relationship, governed by a negotiated memorandum of understanding between the two parties, would be a preferred approach.

“The memorandum of understanding respects Dja Dja Wurrung’s Native Title, and the pivotal role Djaara people play in the management, protection and promotion of cultural heritage within their country,” he said.

The agreement also continues to provide funding, resources and training for 25 Dja Dja Wurrung field representatives to participate in the development and implementation of four Cultural Heritage Management Plans across the project area.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group chief executive Rodney Carter said the agreement was pivotal in Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, as the Registered Aboriginal Party, to administer statutory functions with appropriate resourcing.

“We see this as a best-practice model for partnership with traditional owners on major projects across Victoria,” he said.