Activating First Nation Water Rights under the Cape York Water Plan

Reference # AT.4.2223010
Research Programs 4. Activating the First Nations Estate

Project Timeframe 3 years: (2023 to 2026)
CRCNA Funding $500,000
Total project value $1,139,736

Water
First Nations led business development

Project locations: Cape York; Cairns

Project partners: Cape York Land Council Aboriginal Corporation ; Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation Pty Ltd ; North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Limited (NAILSMA) ; Cairns Institute, James Cook University ; Watertrust Australia Ltd ; QLD Dept. Agriculture and Fisheries

Project summary and impacts

The Water Plan (Cape York) 2019 reserves 485,300 ML of water for Traditional Owners through the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area (CYPHA) water reserve, creating opportunities for First Nations-led economic development, environmental management and community benefit.

This project supports Traditional Owners and Aboriginal corporations to better understand, access and utilise their water rights. Research has examined the regulatory, governance and practical barriers to activating water entitlements, including opportunities for improved water management and leasing arrangements.

Key outputs include a comprehensive situational analysis and a practical Cape York Water Manual, providing guidance on water licensing, governance and decision-making.

The findings will help strengthen First Nations water governance and self-determination, while informing future water policy and regulatory improvements across northern Australia.

Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area water licences – Queensland Government: https://www.qld.gov.au/firstnations/environment-land-use-native-title/water-reserves-licences/cape-york-water-licences