Alinytjara Wilurara an all-Aboriginal board from 2004 caring for South Australia's far north west nature

The Musgrave Ranges in the APY Lands of South Australia's far north.
Image courtesy South Australian department of environment, water and natural resources.

The Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board, set up in 2004, is the only all-Aboriginal NRM Board in Australia. It supports managing of natural resources across the far northwest of the South Australia, including APY, Maralinga Tjarutja, Yalata and the Far West Coast.

The Alinytjara Wilurara (“northwest” in the Pitjantjatjara language) board has achieved significant outcomes for the region.The board’s approach is innovative and community-driven to ensure sustainable use of precious water resources in the region, while protecting the country and culture.

Managing water is expected to become more important with projected temperatures forecast by the Goyder Institute for the region to rise by 1.5 degrees and rainfall to decrease by 12.1% by 2050

The board also works closely with community partners to manage feral camels and buffel grass. This is part of work that has contributed to a 42% increase in NRM jobs for Aboriginal people.

Through its blend of partnership, strong governance and leadership, the board has long-term visions for natural and cultural based tourism in the region.

The tourism is expected to create more jobs and an economic base for the communities, while supporting the education of young community members so they can be employed in natural resources management.