Acknowledgement
The department acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, water and sea country and pays respect to Elders past, present, and future leaders. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to place and their rich contribution to society.
We show our respect through thoughtful and collaborative approaches to our work. We seek to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing places where Aboriginal peoples and communities are included socially, culturally and economically to self-determine their own futures.
Aboriginal peoples and water in NSW
Healthy waterways are vital to the culture and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples. Water provides food, kinship, connection, recreation, stories, songlines and healing.
Water is central to caring for Country and supports cultural practice, community wellbeing, economic opportunity and intergenerational knowledge sharing.
The department is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal peoples in NSW to improve access to water, strengthen participation in water management, support culturally informed decision-making and recognise the importance of healthy water systems to culture, wellbeing and connection to Country.
The first NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal peoples.
Working in partnership to identify ways to improve Aboriginal peoples’ rights, value, access to and ownership of water.
Increasing Aboriginal ownership of water access licences.
About water licence options for Aboriginal peoples
Access to water to empower Aboriginal peoples' spiritual, cultural, environmental and social connections.
Aboriginal water-dependant businesses that recognise the need to protect rivers and aquifers from increased extraction
About the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program
The Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents of 63 eligible Aboriginal communities across the state by providing safe and effective water and sewerage services.
Learn about water
A series of guides explaining the key work and responsibilities of the water group and water education resources for children, students and communities.
Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.