Closed
The Regional Aboriginal Water Committees (RAWCs) ceased operation on 30 June 2026, and memberships have concluded.
We acknowledge and thank RAWC members for their time, knowledge and leadership in shaping Aboriginal water outcomes.
The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to Aboriginal water initiatives and will continue to engage with Aboriginal peoples on water matters as the program moves into its next phase.
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About Aboriginal water in NSW
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 first NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy developed with Aboriginal communities will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal people.
Committees for Aboriginal peoples 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.
About water licence options for Aboriginal peoples
Increasing Aboriginal ownership of water access licences.
Access to water to empower Aboriginal people’s spiritual, cultural, environmental and social connections.
Aboriginal water-related businesses that recognise the need to protect rivers and aquifers from increased extraction
To enquire about applying for an Aboriginal environmental SPAL please email water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 081 047
There are no longer provisions in any water sharing plans for an Aboriginal commercial special purpose access licence to be granted.
These provisions were in some of the earlier water sharing plans which have been re-made.
Instead, there are provisions for the granting of Aboriginal community development special purpose access licences in several inland groundwater sources and coastal unregulated river water and groundwater sources.
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