DEECA is working with Traditional Owners and the water sector to implement Water is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap (Water is Life).

Water is Life proposes a series of actions the government will take in partnership with the water sector, existing water users, and Traditional Owners to increase Traditional Owner access to water and participation in the management of water landscapes.

The ‘Increased Traditional Owner access to water and decision-making in water management’ initiative provides $40.97 million allocated from EC6 over 4 years.

$21.2 million was allocated for the Aboriginal Water Program which invests in Traditional Owner water related priorities and oversees grant governance for funded activities.

This includes Aboriginal Water Officers, or water program staff and delivery of Traditional Owner-led self-determined water priorities.

The rest of the initiative will go toward:

  • ‘Learning by Doing’ pilots and research grants round, including funding to cover fees and charges associated with water returns, and
  • coordination, policy development and Traditional Owner oversight of Water is Life.

This program also supports the water sector by coordinating the response to Yoorrook Justice Commission recommendations, water portfolio preparation for Treaty, and support Victoria’s Closing the Gap water commitments.

Expenditure to date

  • 2024–25 expenditure: $7.46 million

Annual progress summary

Highlights from the program in 2024–25 include:

  • A total of 24 funding agreements held with Traditional Owner organisations and catchment management authorities currently support Aboriginal Water Officer positions and self-determined water projects across the state.
  • In March 2025, the Water is Life Oversight Forum held on Taungurung Country. 57 Traditional Owner organisation representatives met with DEECA’s First Nations Water Branch and DEECA decision makers providing an opportunity for oversight of the policy.
  • As at 31 August 2025, 9,778 megalitres of water is held by Traditional Owner and Aboriginal organisations of which the total volume of water returned to Traditional Owners through government policy and commitments is 7,160 megalitres.

Page last updated: 05/11/25