Water strategy to give Indigenous communities more control

For the first time in New South Wales history, the State Government is launching an Aboriginal Water Strategy to deliver immediate, practical actions that will give Aboriginal communities greater access and control over water.

Aboriginal peoples currently own less than 0.2 per cent of licensed water entitlements in NSW, despite making up more than three per cent of the population.

Lack of access to water deprives them of opportunities to exercise self-determination, care for Country, and generate wealth from agricultural production or other commercial activities.

Closing the Gap commitments

The first step in delivering the strategy has begun, with the launch of a registration of interest (ROI) process to transfer water to Aboriginal peoples.

“We know that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we’re fully committed to that,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.

“We are continuing to turn our Closing the Gap commitments for shared decision making into action and the Aboriginal Water Strategy is a great example of that. I encourage all eligible entities to make a registration of interest.”

Gamilaroi Elder, Professor Phil Duncan said it had been a long journey involving huge amounts of time, effort and collaboration from communities, the department and key stakeholders to deliver the landmark strategy.

Apply to receive water access licences

“As we look to the future we also look to the past for lessons. Water is central to a quality way of life, longevity of life, and a quality cultural way of life,” he said.

Around 26,000 water shares currently held by the NSW Government, including in regulated and unregulated water and groundwater sources, are being made directly available to Aboriginal-controlled organisations or entities.

They can apply to receive general water access licences, which can be used for commercial purposes that support economic benefits like small scale farming operations, as well as for cultural and environmental purposes.

The new strategy also lays the foundation for long-term reform in water management to include Aboriginal knowledge in decision-making and ensure healthy water systems continue to support culture, communities and Country.

Key actions in the strategy include:

• Increasing Aboriginal participation in water planning with paid seats at the decision-making table.
• Removing barriers to cultural water access by simplifying applications and waiving fees.
• Protecting culturally significant water sites.
• Supporting intergenerational knowledge sharing by recognising and respecting Aboriginal cultural practices in water management.

The ROI process to apply for surrendered water access licences is open to all Aboriginal-controlled organisations and entities for 8 weeks, from 15 October to 5pm 10 December 2025.

For more information, visit: water.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-water-strategy