A new plan to address inequities in water ownership will "put water back in Aboriginal peoples' hands, strengthen their role in water management, and create new opportunities for self-determination", the New South Wales Government says.
On Wednesday the government announced, for the first time in NSW history, the launch of 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 Indigenous communities of opportunities to exercise self-determination, care for Country, and generate wealth from agricultural production or other commercial activities.
The first step in delivering the strategy begins Wednesday, with the launch of a registration of interest process to transfer water to Aboriginal peoples.
Around 26,000 water shares currently held by the NSW Government, including in regulated and unregulated water and groundwater sources, are being made available to Aboriginal controlled organisations or entities. The organisations or entities 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 NSW government said 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.
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.
More information is available online.
Gamilaroi Elder, Professor Phil Duncan, said the formulation of the strategy "has been a long journey involving huge amounts of time, effort and collaboration from our communities, the department and key stakeholders to deliver the landmark strategy".
"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," Professor Duncan said.
"I feel extremely honoured and grateful to be a part of this announcement that presents a wonderful opportunity for us for move forward together."
The NSW Government said it is building "a better New South Wales", with more equitable water access, "working with Aboriginal peoples to ensure reforms are practical, locally relevant, and deliver long-term benefits".
The ROI process to apply for surrendered water access licences is open to all Aboriginal-controlled organisations and entities for eight weeks, from 15 October to 5pm 10 December 2025. Progress will be reported publicly "to ensure transparency and accountability".
NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said that "for too long, Aboriginal peoples have been left out of decisions about water and denied the opportunity to benefit from it".
"This strategy is about real, practical outcomes – from expanding access to water for community use, a stronger voice in water planning and making licenced water directly available to Aboriginal peoples for the first time in NSW history," she said.
"It won't solve everything overnight and we know there is plenty more work to do, but it is a practical first step towards greater ownership and self-determination."
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said he is proud to be part of a government that is "making it a priority to put Aboriginal people in greater control of water, a resource so central to culture, community wellbeing and economic opportunity".
"We know that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we're fully committed to that.
"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."
