Opportunities in inland water
Leadership and participation in the inland water sector can mean many things. If you want to get access to water on your Country, a great first step is to find out what rules apply in your area.
Types of water individuals and groups can access include:
- Cultural water: access to water to support First Nations traditions, stories, ceremonies, and connection to Country.
- Economic water: access to water entitlements and allocations for farming, aquaculture, and other businesses that can also be traded.
- Household water: access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and everyday use.
Water access
If you want to access water, some of the key steps to consider are:
- Confirm what you want to use the water for (cultural, economic or household)
- Confirm the water source (e.g. surface water, ground water)
- Check the rules that apply to your states/territory and catchment, a water ‘right’ may not be needed.
- Consider using a broker - they have specialist experience and can help:
- understand what type of water ‘right’ you need
- negotiate buying and selling: price, volume and timing (if there is a market) or application for a licence
- Paperwork and approvals: applications are required and must be given to the relevant authority (includes details like licence number, entitlement volume, and trade type)
- Investigate support options: governments may offer assistance for First Nations groups to access water rights, improve household water access or develop cultural flow proposals
- Review costs: if purchasing or trading economic water, fees will apply. Infrastructure, like pumps, meters and pipes may need to be purchased or maintained.
- Wait for approval: this is required before water can be used
