The draft NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy and Action Plan (the Strategy) was on public exhibition in 2024. Almost 400 stakeholders shared feedback from July to September. Read the ‘What we heard’ Report to learn more about this feedback and the next steps to finalise the Strategy.
You can also subscribe for updates about the Aboriginal Water Program.
About the strategy
In collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, the NSW Government is developing a state-wide Aboriginal Water Strategy. The Strategy will identify ways of increasing water rights and ensure Aboriginal peoples are empowered to contribute to water management and planning decisions.
The Strategy is being developed through a genuine partnership between the department and NSW Aboriginal stakeholders and communities. It is based on listening to what has been shared during the consultation process.
Watch the video
Overview of the development of the Aboriginal Water Strategy.
The yarns we’ve had
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.
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2018: Water Resource Plans 
Nation-by-Nation engagement on 20 water resource plans begins and identifies key themes to recognise Aboriginal culture in water management. Engagement includes 53 workshops and interviews with more than 250 traditional owners, Aboriginal Peaks and community groups.
Plans continue to be revised and submitted.
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2020-2021: NSW Water Strategy
Development starts in collaboration with the Aboriginal Water Coalition in 2020. This includes members of Aboriginal Peaks. The NSW Water Strategy is launched in 2021.
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2020-2024: Regional Water Strategies
Aboriginal engagement to support development of Regional Water Strategies starts in 2020. Between 2020 and 2024, there are 159 Aboriginal consultations across 11 strategies and 21 ‘What we heard’ reports published. Key themes to recognise Aboriginal culture in water management are adopted. Strategies continue to be developed, released and implemented.
Read more in 'Yarning with communities on water management' and 'Engagement with Aboriginal Communities'.
Strategy principles
During these consultations, 6 important principles regarding water that matter to Aboriginal people were identified by Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners and representative organisations including NSW Aboriginal peak bodies.
The endorsed and adopted 6 principles are outlined below and include comments shared by the Aboriginal community members and organisations during consultations.
 | CultureWater is central in Aboriginal culture. We need water to sustain us socially, economically and environmentally. “Ensure that sacred sites and other Aboriginal cultural aspects are taken into consideration when dealing with and issuing water licences and approvals.” |
 | Health and well-beingWe need water (quality and quantity) to sustain healthy communities and our ability to live on and care for Country. “Reduce the stress and distress caused to Aboriginal people when water access is reduced.” |
 | Caring for countryImprove and enable our access to Country to maintain healthy waterways. “Apply best practice guidance for the protection of Aboriginal cultural rights in sites of significance.” |
 | Meaningful engagementInvolve us in water management and government decision-making in a way that suits our culture. “Establish Aboriginal governance arrangements for NSW water – that provide for full participation and input from all regions, in relation to all aspects of water planning and management.” |
 | Economic benefitFind ways to increase work and business opportunities with water we can access now and through additional water we could access in the future. “Support the need for ownership, management and trading of water entitlements and allocation to improve the economic development from water rights.” |
 | Shared cultural and environmental benefitsFind ways to deliver Aboriginal outcomes and benefits from water that is allocated for other purposes. “Secure flows for social, economic, spiritual, and cultural purposes.” |
Next steps
Learn more about the timeline and next steps for releasing the final NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy and Action Plan in 2025.
More information
The Aboriginal Water Strategy developed with Aboriginal communities will ensure access to water resources for Aboriginal people.
Engaging with Aboriginal people as a commitment to improving cultural, economic, and social outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Recognise First Nations/Aboriginal People’s rights and values and increase access to and ownership of water for cultural and economic purposes.
A 20-year state-wide strategy to improve the security of our water resources.
Contact us
Please email the department at water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions or would like further information.