Vision
Aboriginal peoples water rights, traditional values, and cultural obligations to care for Country are asserted and upheld across NSW. Traditional Peoples have greater access to and ownership of water for cultural, spiritual, social, and economic purposes.
About the strategy
This is the first Aboriginal Water Strategy for NSW.
It recognises that water is deeply important to Aboriginal peoples, forming a key part of their connection to Country and the life blood of culture and communities. It aims to keep and strengthen these connections by involving Aboriginal people in water management and planning, and by looking for ways they can access, care for and have ownership of water.
It also reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to working with Aboriginal peoples to deliver water related cultural, spiritual, social, environmental and economic benefits to Aboriginal communities.
We will ensure we get these reforms right, so they lead to sustainable, long-term outcomes that reflect Aboriginal peoples’ aspirations, needs, expectations and self-determination.
This strategy also supports our commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
This strategy recognises the cultural, spiritual, social and environmental importance of water to Aboriginal peoples. It supports the continuation and revitalisation of these connections by promoting meaningful involvement in water management and planning, and by exploring opportunities for access, ownership and care of water into the future.
Download the NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy
Strategy priorities
To deliver on the vision, the strategy sets out 4 key priorities, each with a specific set of actions.
Increase Aboriginal peoples’ access to and ownership of water to support cultural, social, economic and intergenerational outcomes.
Strengthen the role of Aboriginal peoples in water management through representation, engagement and respectful partnerships.
Respect, recognise and embed Aboriginal knowledge to care for Country and support culturally informed water management.
Recognise and support the importance of healthy water systems to Aboriginal wellbeing, culture and connection to Country.
Registration of interest for transferring water access licences to Aboriginal entities
As part of our commitment to increasing access to, and licensed ownership of, water for Aboriginal peoples, eligible Aboriginal legal entities can submit a registration of interest to secure a general water access licence. Registrations close Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Voices that shaped the strategy
We listened to Aboriginal peoples and communities, Traditional Owners and representative organisations, including NSW Aboriginal peak bodies, during discussions on water strategies and planning from 2018-2023.
These engagements involved more than 150 workshops, 300 interviews, and 50 meetings and informal discussions.
The department thanks everyone who has provided their valuable knowledge, insights and experiences. This includes Aboriginal peoples, communities, organisations and those with a deep interest in access to water for cultural and economic purposes for Aboriginal peoples.
Read more about the Aboriginal Water Strategy Public Exhibition.
More information
The Aboriginal Water Strategy developed with Aboriginal communities will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal people.
Working in partnership to identify ways to improve Aboriginal peoples’ rights, value, access to and ownership of water.
Recognise First Nations/Aboriginal People’s rights and values and increase access to and ownership of water for cultural and economic purposes.
Increasing Aboriginal ownership of water access licences.
Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
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