Kutha (Water) Management
Arabana involvement in decision making about water management in
Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre
A report was published by the Goyder Institute for Water Research that documents Arabana cultural connections to water. The report was written to show how white fellas can include Arabana people when deciding how healthy a water site is, such as mound springs and soakages.
This will make sure that when development takes place in Arabana Country which might impact water sites, our knowledge and cultural beliefs will not be overlooked but included in the decision making process.
Water is incredibly important to our culture. It is part of our creation. The report shows how we use animals and plants to decide if a water site is healthy or not. The report shows how bad our Country feels when white fella management causes water sites to dry-up or become unhealthy and polluted.
Our cultural knowledge of Arabana Country in Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre will help people make better management decissions in the future and make sure our Country is looked after much better in the future.
Click here to download and read the report which was written for the Goyder Institute by Melissa Nursey-Bray from the University of Adelaide and the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation.
Renaming of Lake Eyre
​​On 25 May 2013, the Arabana peoples quest to have the Lake Eyre renamed to its original Aboriginal name was successful.
The lake was given back its ancient Arabana Aboriginal name Kati Thanda.
Now known as Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre, it is our hope that in years to come, all Australians will know our great lake as just Kati Thanda. ​
Mound Springs critter naming
We’re working hard on this project, and while we’re still gathering all the details, we’re excited to share what’s coming soon. Thank you for your patience and support as we keep moving forward together. Stay tuned for more updates – we look forward to sharing this journey with you all.
ABC documentary
We’re working hard on this project, and while we’re still gathering all the details, we’re excited to share what’s coming soon. Thank you for your patience and support as we keep moving forward together. Stay tuned for more updates – we look forward to sharing this journey with you all.
Finniss Springs: Springs Management Plan
Arabana Rangers are working with Traditional Owners, partners such as FOMS and SAAL, and engaging environmental scientists to develop a Springs Management Plan for mound springs on Finniss Springs Station.
This plan will help guide the protection, monitoring, and long-term care of culturally and environmentally significant springs. It brings together Arabana knowledge and ecological science to ensure these vital water places are managed the right way, for generations to come.
Future Springs Management Plan
Arabana Rangers, alongside Traditional Owners, FOMS, SAAL, and environmental scientists, are developing a comprehensive Springs Management Plan for the mound springs located on Finniss Springs Station.
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This plan aims to guide the ongoing protection, monitoring, and management of these culturally and environmentally significant water sources. By blending Arabana traditional knowledge with modern ecological science, we are ensuring that these vital springs are cared for in a way that honours our ancestors and sustains the land for future generations.
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This project forms the foundation for a holistic, community driven Springs Management Plan for all mound springs and inland water on Arabana Country, strengthening our connection to Country and ensuring the preservation of these critical water sources.
