Closed
Registration of interest for water licence transfers to Aboriginal legal entities has closed.
An assessment panel (Panel) will meet in March 2026 and recommend the offers of shares to be made to eligible applicants.
Letters will be sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after the Panel meets and makes recommendations.
Successful applicants will have 42 days to accept their offer from the date of the letter. Further information will be provided at that time.
About the Aboriginal Water Program
Healthy waterways are critical to the culture and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities across NSW. Water provides food, kinship, connection, recreation, stories, songlines and healing.
The department is working to secure a future where water for Aboriginal people is embedded in water planning and management in NSW to improve access to, and ownership of, water for cultural, spiritual, social, environmental and economic benefit to Aboriginal communities.
The Aboriginal Water Strategy developed with Aboriginal communities will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal people.
Committees for Aboriginal people across NSW to provide advice on water planning and management.
Working in partnership to identify ways to improve Aboriginal peoples’ rights, value, access to and ownership of water.
Registration of interest is now open and must be received by Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Cultural Watering Plans provide the information and data required to improve policies to achieve Aboriginal community aspirations.
Access to water empowers Aboriginal people’s spiritual, cultural, environmental and social connections.
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 on the Aboriginal Water Programs contact water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au