Griffith University supports the Sustainable Development Goals

The iKnow, weKnow: Co-designing a resilient water and energy toolbox for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities

Prof. Cara Beal, Dr. Melissa Jackson, Sachita Shrestha

Project Description

The iKnow, weKnow project aims to co-design a toolbox of innovative, community-based approaches for managing water and energy in remote First Nations communities. This project will integrate digital and non-digital tools to develop an innovative suite of approaches, rigorously tested and evaluated, and deeply rooted in Indigenous pedagogies. These tools will engage both the community and service providers in transforming water and energy use practices within specific remote Indigenous communities in Australia. The project translates the goal into three main objectives, which are:

• Assess and understand the baseline water and energy systems as a whole in four remote communities – Djarindjin (Western Australia), Atitjere (Northern Territory), Mapoon and Warraber (Queensland).
• Co-design new tools that support transformative management of water and energy through collaboration with communities and key stakeholders
• Trial, monitor, and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of these co-designed tools through participatory processes.

Project Personnel and Beneficiaries

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, water and energy service providers, industry partners, community leaders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island local authorities, Traditional Owners, PBCs, NGOs, academics/researchers

Outcomes to Date

The iKnow, WeKnow project has forged partnerships with nine industry collaborators and successfully engaged with four communities across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. These partnerships are driving the co-development of innovative, community-centered approaches to water and energy management. The project has also conducted extensive surveys and interviews, capturing diverse perspectives from community members and key stakeholders to inform practical and inclusive solutions.

A significant milestone includes the project being named a Winner in the Science Engagement category of the prestigious Falling Walls Global Call 2024, recognising its potential to achieve a breakthrough in science for social impact. These accomplishments demonstrate progress in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering knowledge sharing, empowering communities, and addressing critical sustainability issues.

Project Significance

The iKnow, WeKnow project aims to tackle the significant water and energy challenges in remote Indigenous communities in Australia, where inefficient infrastructure, unreliable supplies, and costly diesel-powered systems undermine health, wellbeing, and sustainability. These issues, including poor housing infrastructure and limited community input, result in health risks and financial burdens, with subsidies exceeding $66 million annually in Queensland alone.
The project integrates Indigenous knowledge and meaningful community engagement, moving beyond technocratic approaches to inclusive, culturally responsive solutions. It will develop toolkits for communities and service providers to manage water and energy demand effectively. The initiative will also empower communities by co-designing a water and energy app that promotes efficient and sustainable resource use.

By fostering collaboration and building climate-resilient systems, the project aims to enhance community health, reduce costs, and ensure infrastructure is fit-for-purpose, supporting long-term sustainability and Closing the Gap in Indigenous health. These activities align with SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Co-authors
Co-investigators: A/Prof. Kerry Boddle, Prof. Brendan Mackey, Prof. Rodney Stewart, Dr Sebastian Binnewies, A/Prof Martin Anda (Murdoch University) - Partner Investigators: Cheryl Bailey (Indigenous Technology), Mark David ( TSIRC), Damien Postma (Water Corporation)
Project start
Sep 2023
Project end
Sep 2026
Academic area
Cities Research Institute
Project location
  • Nathan
Project geographical impact
  • National
Publication date
December 18, 2024
Last updated
4:33 pm, December 18, 2024