Weeli Wolli Creek co-management Board' on page and in article itself

Hope Downs, Rio Tinto Iron Ore's most recent mine development in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is adjacent to a water course rich in cultural value.

Two local Aboriginal groups, the Banyjima people and the Nyiyaparli people have come together for the first time to protect this special place through the formation of the Weeli Wolli Creek Co-management Board. RTIO is also a member of the board.

The board provides traditional owners with an informed say and unified voice with regards environmental and heritage issues around the project.

Ten Aboriginal members have been elected to the board and now represent traditional ownership by the Banyjima and Nyiyaparli people. Three members from RTIO also sit on the board.

In addition to the nominated members, Elders are invited to contribute their specific heritage knowledge of the creek and surrounding country. Other experts who can contribute to environmental and heritage projects are also involved. The board meets on a quarterly basis and is developing a governance structure to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

The decisions made by the board will help to minimise the impact of mining activities on both the environmental and heritage aspects of Aboriginal culture of Weeli Wolli Creek.

Responsibilties of the board include:

• decisions around environmental management of the discharge of water from Hope Downs into the relevant sections of the creek
• defining and observing the cultural values of the creek
• providing advice and direction to RTIO on water and revegetation monitoring 
• establishing and involving traineeships in environmental and water management.