Overview
The Australian Government is partnering with Basin First Nations Peoples to co-design enduring water holding arrangements in the Murray–Darling Basin. These arrangements will enable water purchased through the $100 million Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program to be owned and managed by Basin First Nations Peoples.
This consultation process is part of the Government’s co-design approach, with initial engagement commencing in 2025, focusing first on objectives and then on refining governance arrangements.
We are now developing a recommended model for submission to the Minister for Environment and Water. This survey provides another opportunity for First Nations Peoples to provide feedback on the model and recommendations before they are finalised.
As part of this process, two online information sessions will be held.
Have Your Say
Online information sessions
Two online information sessions will also be held to provide an opportunity to ask questions about the recommended model and support completion of the survey.
A recording will be available on our website for those unable to attend.
To register, use the links below:
If you have further questions or would like to discuss your feedback, please contact firstnationswater@dcceew.gov.au.
Online consultation
Basin First Nations Peoples are invited to take part in this survey on the recommended enduring water holding governance model. This is an opportunity to suggest improvements, identify any gaps, and share final views before the model is finalised and submitted for approval.
Before you begin the survey, please read the consultation materials/documents available on this page. These documents explain the recommended governance model developed from what Basin First Nations Peoples shared during Phases 1 and 2 of engagement. Additional materials from Phases 1 and 2 of engagement can be viewed on the website for reference
In short, to have your say:
Attend an online information session. If you can’t attend, a recording will be available on the webpage.
Read consultation materials/documents available on this page.
Complete our survey on this consultation platform.
Submit completed survey by 11:59pm AEDT on Monday, 16 February 2026.
