• nsw natural resources
  • Role of DNR
  • Aboriginal programs
  • Catchment Management Authorities
  • Policy framework
  • Joint programs
  • Science and data online
• water management
  
  • Water overview
  • Legislation and policies
  • Water data online
  • Water access and trade
  • Water sharing plans
  • Water for the environment
  • Water quality
  • Water Compliance
  • Across the State
• vegetation
  
  
  • Vegetation overview
  • Native vegetation in NSW
  • Plantations
  • Private Native Forestry
  • Vegetation Compliance
• soils
  
  
  • Soils overview
  • Soils in NSW
  • Soils data online
  • Soil survey
  • Maps for land managers
  • Soil Conservation Schemes
  • Acid sulfate soil
  • Salinity
• wetlands, coast and floodplains
  
  • Coast and floodplains overview
  • The coast
  • Estuaries
  • Floodplains
  • Wetlands

• Site search:

Home > Aboriginal water trust >

Aboriginal Water Trust

About the Water Trust

Opportunities through Aboriginal Enterprises

Aboriginal Water Trust brochure (PDF file)

Funding applications package:

Trust Funding Guidelines (PDF file)

Investment criteria (PDF file)

Funding Application form (PDF file)

Contacts

What is the Water Trust

Aboriginal people in Australia have an intimate cultural and economic relationship with land and water. Natural Resources and the natural environment are steeped with Aboriginal creation story and law where spiritual obligations in 'caring for country' remain. Water has always been and will continue to be an integral resource to Aboriginal communities.

The New South Wales Government through the Water Management Act 2000 has established a $5 million Water Trust for Aboriginal people in NSW. The Government recognises that Aboriginal people should be encouraged and assisted to enter and participate in the commercial water market. Where water is a core component to expand or establish an Aboriginal owned business then the Aboriginal Water Trust may assist with funding.

How can the Water Trust help?

Aboriginal groups or Aboriginal individuals may contact the Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Water Trust for an application. An application form (PDF file) download is also available on this site. Photocopies of the application form will not be accepted.

An Aboriginal Advisory Committee and technical experts will assess your application against specific criteria which is found with the application form (PDF file).

If your application requires further business planning or market advice, the Aboriginal Water Trust may make funds available for this purpose.

Funding is also available from the Aboriginal Water Trust for an array of water related business activities as outlined in the Investment Criteria (PDF file) of the Water Trust.

Benefits to Aboriginal Communities

The Aboriginal Water Trust will provide economic benefits to Aboriginal people by increasing the level of Aboriginal participation in the water market and encourage innovative methods of water use.

Funding will be available to successful applicants through specific purpose grants or interest payment subsidies or as 'in kind' contribution.

The type of funding available to the successful applicant will be determined on the Investment Plan and assessment criteria which are outlined in the application.

Aboriginal Water Trust funding may further assist Aboriginal enterprises to secure additional funding and equity participation from the private sector. Aboriginal people in New South Wales are encouraged to apply and eligibility criteria in the funding guidelines (PDF file) should be read before lodging the application.