- Author Jim Turnour, Abner Yalu and Jennifer McHugh
- Publish date 30 June 2026
- Type Fact sheet
- Documents
- Water
- First Nations led business development
Summary
This collection of catchment maps provides a spatial overview of First Nations land and native title interests across the 15 catchments covered by the Water Plan (Cape York) 2019.
The maps identify Aboriginal freehold land trustees and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs), supporting a clearer understanding of the land tenure and governance arrangements relevant to accessing Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area (CYPHA) water reserves.
The resource supports Aboriginal corporations, Traditional Owners, researchers and government agencies in understanding water entitlement eligibility and informing future water planning and development opportunities.
Projects
Activating First Nation Water Rights under the Cape York Water Plan
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