The Minns Government says it is making progress towards increasing Aboriginal water rights and providing for Aboriginal access and ownership of water for cultural and economic purposes.

The NSW Government says it has gathered valuable feedback on the draft Aboriginal Water Strategy through an extensive consultation that was held from July to September this year.

The process allowed the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to hear the perspectives of nearly 400 stakeholders across New South Wales.

Over the three-month consultation period, DCCEEW officers held 52 face-to-face workshops, along with three online workshops on the draft strategy, and received more than 40 written submissions.

"This process will enable Government to consider and incorporate these important perspectives before finalising the Aboriginal Water Strategy and associated Action Plan in 2025," a spokesperson said.

"Once in place, the Strategy will be a foundational document that aims to recognise Aboriginal people’s water rights and strengthen their role in water planning and management.

It will allow relevant Government agencies to work more closely with Aboriginal people on water matters in order to improve water knowledge and maintain and preserve cultural sites."

The feedback from this year’s consultation is now available in a What We Heard report.

“Completing consultation on the draft Aboriginal Water Strategy is a fantastic step forward as we build a stronger and more collaborative partnership between the NSW Government and Aboriginal communities in relation to water management," Minister for Water Rose Jackson said.

“This process is vital as we work to make sure that we are managing our waterways in a way that respects and upholds Aboriginal peoples’ water rights, values and cultural obligations to care for Country.

“More than 400 people have had their say on the draft Strategy and feedback gathered in more than 50 face-to-face workshops held right across New South Wales and 42 written submissions – this will help us to fine-tune the details before we launch the final Aboriginal Water Strategy next year.

“We know how important it is to have a strategy that recognises the diverse views and interests of Aboriginal peoples in a meaningful and practical way, which is why we engaged directly with as many communities as possible.

“This just the beginning of a stronger partnership with Aboriginal communities, and we will continue to hold ongoing conversations and action planning at the local level to deliver on this commitment.”

“I am proud the NSW Government is continuing to take steps to ensure that we recognise Aboriginal people’s water rights and strengthen their role in water planning and management," Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.

“Consulting with a diverse group of stakeholders on the Aboriginal Water Strategy will ensure we maintain our waterways in a way that respects Aboriginal water rights.

“This will be another key step in closing the gap for Aboriginal people which is a top priority of the Minns Labor Government."