The program can support Murray-Darling Basin First Nations to take a stronger role in the ownership and management of water.

The waters of the Murray-Darling Basin are vital to the connection to Culture and Country for over 50 First Nations communities. The impacts of colonisation have deeply affected access to water for these communities, First Nations people currently own less than 0.2% of surface water entitlements.

The $20 million Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies program could help Basin First Nations be in a better position to take a stronger role in the ownership and management of water.

The program provides funding to Basin First Nations to:

• develop Cultural flows plans
• enhance governance structures to support a Nation's water-based aspirations
• develop business plans.

The program can support Basin First Nations to:

• have a greater influence in water management and ownership
• meet their obligation to care for Country.

You can apply if you:

• have an Australian business number (ABN), unless you are not entitled to one
• and are one of the following:
  • an entity, incorporated in Australia (this includes Indigenous land management organisations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations)
  • a registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land council
  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)
  • an incorporated not for profit association or cooperative
  • an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
  • a partnership.

You must also be a First Nations group or organisation recognised as a Basin Traditional Owner(s) or able to demonstrate a traditional connection to the relevant area for which you are applying.

• Phone: 13 28 46
• Email: CulturalFlows@industry.gov.au