The Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, Media Release, 5 March 2026

The Albanese Government has today tabled the annual Murray–Darling Basin First Nations water report for 2024–25.

This report provides an overview of the progress made in 2024–25 by the Albanese Government to strengthen First Nations peoples’ leadership, knowledge and self determination in water management and planning decisions across the Murray–Darling Basin, fulfilling a commitment made when the Restoring Our Rivers (Water Amendment) Act passed the Parliament in 2023.

The report recognised stronger partnerships in water with First Nations Peoples, improved participation towards decision-making, and growing recognition of First Nations Peoples leadership in water governance.

The report also noted:

• Engagement with First Nations peoples across the Basin is underpinned by the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent; this helps to support the reset of relationships and improved involvement of First Nations peoples in water management.
• The Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program has expended more than half of its $100 million funding, and has completed its first purchase of 200 megalitres in the Macquarie–Wambuul River, NSW to support Basin First Nations. 
• Progress has been made on the $20 million Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies Grant Program which was co-designed with First Nations peoples to reflect their priorities – successful projects will be announced shortly.
• There are expanded opportunities for Basin First Nations peoples to care for Country through Indigenous Protected Areas and the Indigenous River Ranger Program.
• The National Water Agreement is now with states and territories for signing, and has been informed by independent First Nations advice.

The two-part report details First Nations engagement activities and shows how holders of held environmental water consider First Nations Peoples’ values and uses. 

The Murray–Darling Basin First Nations water report includes contributions from First Nations peoples who share their perspectives, knowledge and expertise in caring for Country, protecting waterways and upholding Cultural and custodial responsibilities. 

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the First Nations water report demonstrates the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to support First Nations voices in every level of water management across Australia.

“When our Government passed the Restoring Our Rivers Act, we wanted to get the Murray?Darling Basin Plan back on track for the sake of our communities, First Nations peoples, environment, and our industries,” Minister Watt said.

“We know water runs to the core of First Nations Peoples’ history and traditions, and provides a link between their ancestors, Culture, and identity.

“This unique connection must be respected through equitable representation.

“We are taking critical steps to build stronger partnerships and shared decision making with Basin First Nations communities to reverse historic dispossession and exclusion from water management, but we know there is more work to do.”

For more information on the Restoring Our Rivers Act, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/restoring-our-rivers-act.