Globally resource managers, users and researchers poorly understand the cultural, hydrologic and biological values of arid waterbodies. Methodologies to appropriately monitor, restore and manage arid wetlands are lacking. In central Australia, Aboriginal people have relied on waterbodies to survive for tens of thousands of years and have a wealth of knowledge and deep cultural and ceremonial ties to many of these places. These waterbodies supported local plant and animal species often sought as bush foods, as well as species found nowhere else in central Australia.
Many central Australian waterbodies are degraded by multiple interacting processes post-European settlement. Multiple processes negatively affect water places and subsequently, their use by Aboriginal people, tourists and native plants and animals. These processes include feral animals, invasive grasses, climate change and neglect. Given that many arid wetlands occur within the Indigenous estate, there is a clear need to identify and undertake the research required to support Traditional Owners and Indigenous rangers in taking care of these sites. Similar knowledge is needed to support rangers and managers within the national park estate, as water places are featured attractions in many national parks. To restore, manage and monitor central Australian waterbodies will require new techniques, technologies and thinking, as past efforts have often failed. Options and needs going forward will be discussed.