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 goes 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
  • 2025–26 expenditure: $12.55 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 the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) 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.

Highlights from the program in 2025–26 include:

  • As at 31 May 2026, the total volume held by 19 Traditional Owner or Aboriginal organisations is 15,313 ML, of which the total volume returned to Traditional Owners by government commitments is 12,693 ML.
  • Overall, implementation of Water is Life continues to build momentum, with almost all actions on track. All short- and medium-term outcomes have commenced, and initial stages of work have commenced on several long-term outcomes. Traditional Owner oversight arrangements are being established, new Traditional Owner-led projects are underway across Victoria, and important foundational work is progressing on water returns, fees and charges, and longer-term reform of the water entitlement framework. Water is Life remains a long-term program of systemic change that will continue to be delivered in partnership with Traditional Owners and informed by practical experience and lessons learned through implementation.
  • The Learning by Doing grant program was launched in February 2026 to support projects and pilot initiatives that enable Traditional Owners to partner with the water sector. The program is generating insights to inform long-term legislative reform and support the achievement of Traditional Owner aspirations. To date, fourteen projects have been funded through this grant round. The Aboriginal Water Program (AWP) successfully delivered four Aboriginal Water Officer Network meetings (AWON). These meetings brought together Aboriginal Water Officers (AWO) from across the state to share knowledge, collaborate, and strengthen professional networks.
  • The March 2026 AWON meeting marked a major milestone: celebrating 10 years of Aboriginal Water Program success. The event brought together past and current AWOs and featured a Q&A panel highlighting personal experiences and key program achievements over the decade.

Page last updated: 28/10/26