Aboriginal Water Programs

Recognising Aboriginal peoples’ rights, value, access to and ownership of water for the benefit of Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal artwork with pink shores and trees and river flowing between
Registration of interest for transferring water access licences to Aboriginal entities

Registration of interest is now open and must be received by Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Visit the ROI for more information

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.

NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy (Ghi-dhuray)

The Aboriginal Water Strategy developed with Aboriginal communities will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal artwork

Committees for Aboriginal people across NSW to provide advice on water planning and management.

Bass Point Reserve, Shellharbour, NSW

Working in partnership to identify ways to improve Aboriginal peoples’ rights, value, access to and ownership of water.

3 aboriginal people standing on the banks of the river

Registration of interest is now open and must be received by Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Cultural watering plans

Cultural Watering Plans provide the information and data required to improve policies to achieve Aboriginal community aspirations.

Nathan Packham Artwork Fish

Access to water empowers Aboriginal people’s spiritual, cultural, environmental and social connections.

About the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program

Namatjira water tanks

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

View of a still lake towards a the opposite side. There is a tree in the left foreground

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