A $20 million Federal Government initiative is increasing self-determination for more than 50 First Nations water projects in the Murray–Darling Basin.

The Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies grant program is supporting First Nations communities to enhance governance and develop water-dependent business plans.

These projects will establish the advocacy framework for First Nations water rights and the ability to access, manage and own water for cultural, environmental, social, spiritual, and economic purposes. This includes supporting water ownership through the Federal Government’s $100 million Murray–Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program.

“The Albanese Government remains committed to proactively reversing the decades of dispossession to ancestral waterways that our First Nations communities have experienced,” Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said.

“Through this program, we’re able to support First Nations communities with the right support to access, own and manage water entitlements that will have cultural, environmental, social, spiritual, and economic benefits.

“We’re also continuing to deliver a record amount of funding to secure water entitlements for Murray−Darling Basin First Nations communities through the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program, with more than $60 million in water entitlements secured to date.”

Applications were assessed by a committee including First Nations representatives with extensive knowledge and expertise of Murray–Darling Basin water.

Successful applicants have up to two years to complete their projects.

Learn more about the funded projects here.

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