Overview
The Australian Government is partnering with Basin First Nations Peoples and an independent First Nations led consultancy known as the Water Governance Co-design Team (WGCDT) to co-design enduring water holding arrangements in the Murray—Darling Basin. These arrangements are for water purchased through the $100 million Murray–Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. (For more detail please see the department’s webpage).
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Basin First Nations Peoples to shape how water is owned, managed, and governed. Your knowledge, experience, and ideas are central to this process.
During Phase 1 (August – October 2025), Basin First Nations Peoples shared what outcomes they want for First Nations-led water governance. That feedback shaped the Interim Report: Draft Governance Models. The interim report outlines potential models for enduring water holding arrangements.
We’re now entering Phase 2 (November – December 2025) of the co-design process. This stage is for understanding Basin First Nations Peoples’ preferences for the proposed models. Your feedback will help shape the Final Report: Recommended Governance Model. The final report will be submitted to the Minister by early 2026.
Have your say
This Have Your Say is for Basin First Nations Peoples, as your voices are central to the co-design of the enduring water holding arrangements.
Before you start, please read the following reports, which were developed by the WGCDT based on what we heard from Basin First Nations Peoples during Phase 1. The WGCDT has used this feedback to develop three draft governance models for how the enduring water holding arrangements could be established and function in practice.
Please review:
Phase 2, and this Have Your Say process, are opportunities for Basin First Nations Peoples to provide feedback on key aspects of the proposed models, such as:
their roles and functions
representation and decision-making
accountability and transparency
funding and sustainability
how benefits are shared, and
which model structure works best.
Your input will help shape the final recommended model for enduring water holding arrangements.
Take your time and share your views through this Have Your Say consultation platform.
Please ensure you submit your comments by 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
If you would prefer to take part in a workshop, there are 7 in-person and 2 online sessions available alongside this Have Your Say. To register to attend, please visit the department’s webpage and click on the 'Engagement Phase 2' drop down.
Your voice matters. Help shape how water purchased through the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program will be managed under the Murray–Darling Basin First Nations enduring water holding arrangements.
