In March this year, a large water licence was granted to the Northern Territory’s Stylo Station, sparking concern the government could be over-allocating water licenses in the area.
The licence allowed the station to access more than 5000 mega litres of water, or 2000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, every year for 10 years.
Joe Morrison from the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance says that was bad news.
"We've always talked about the north as a place where we can get a few things right and when you look at other parts of the world and in Australia, like in southern Australia and in the Murray Darling, there have been mistakes unfold in how you manage these water resources,” he said.
Environmental groups have warned it could have devastating effects on the local community and the area's wildlife.
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Marianne Roberts, who has lived in the area for as long as she can remember, said the Roper River was rich with history and culture.
"Our cultural ways, you dance in our culture near and in the water, you have a sacred water dance," she said.
"One drop of water is a waste to an Aboriginal person."
The Roper River is one of the largest rivers in the Northern Territory, extending east for over 500 kilometres.
Watch: The full report here.
