6 November, 2025
Around 26,000 water shares across 235 water sources are being made available to Aboriginal entities, including Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), as part of the NSW Government’s inaugural Aboriginal Water Strategy.
Under the strategy, LALCs can now register interest to have water access licences for regulated rivers, unregulated rivers and groundwater sources transferred from the Minister for Water. These licences can be used for commercial purposes that support economic benefit, as well as for cultural and environmental purposes.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) welcomes this announcement and we have worked collaboratively with the NSW Government to deliver practical support to the 121 LALCs across the State.
NSWALC has long advocated that water and sea rights are integral to healthy Cultures and Country. The Minns Government’s Aboriginal Water Strategy water transfer program is another step towards supporting NSWALC’s strategic goal of securing land and water rights on Country and creating a successful Land Rights system.
NSWALC has advocated for increased water rights and ownership for Aboriginal people. We will continue to work in partnership with the State and Federal Governments, as well as NTSCORP, to advance reforms that increase Aboriginal ownership, access, and governance of inland water.
NSWALC encourages all LALCs to review the eligibility criteria and apply for water transfers. Public information sessions will be held in the coming weeks for any LALCs interested in learning more about the ROI process.
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION DETAILS
Webinar 1
- Date: Monday 10 November 2025
- Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Register here
Webinar 2
- Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025
- Time: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Register here
ROIs from eligible Aboriginal legal entities must be received by 5:00 pm Wednesday, 10 December 2025. More information about the ROI can be found here.