Unassigned groundwater is now available for purchase by rural producers to provide opportunities for NSW farmers and businesses, while also finding opportunities for future Aboriginal water ownership.

Individuals and organisations are invited to register their interest in purchasing shares in 36 water sources through a Controlled Allocation Order.

This is groundwater which is being made available to buy from NSW water sources that are not fully committed. Expressions of interest will close on December 1, 2024.

The controlled allocation order has been carefully managed to prevent environmental impacts. It does not include any water sources with less than 1500 unit-shares of unassigned water, or where the total water commitments are above 50 per cent of the extraction limit, NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said.

“Controlled allocations are made only occasionally, which is why I’m encouraging anyone who is interested to take advantage of this opportunity and register their interest in the groundwater being made available,” Ms Jackson revealed.

“This will provide another boost to regional industries, agriculture and communities who rely on the jobs and income that secure water access can provide,” she added.

A minimum price has been set for the shares in each water source which will be offered in order of highest to lowest bids at or above the minimum price, until all shares that are offered are exhausted or all bids are satisfied.

As part of our commitment to Closing the Gap, Ms Jackson is also taking steps to increase Aboriginal peoples’ access to water.

“Aboriginal people have a special connection to water and yet they currently only own a tiny amount of water shares in NSW. This must change.

“While my department finalises the Aboriginal Water Strategy, it’s important that we continue to look at ways to Close the Gap.”

The more conservative approach to this controlled allocation order means that a portion of the unassigned water is being held in reserve for Aboriginal use.

Work is underway to develop the mechanisms to enable future Aboriginal access and ownership, in close consultation with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, NTSCORP and Aboriginal communities.

“Increasing water rights and access to water for cultural, economic and social purposes will be a key objective of the state’s first ever Aboriginal Water Strategy which is expected to be launched next year,” Ms Jackson said.

“By taking a more conservative approach to the amount of water that is being released through this controlled allocation process, we can ensure there are opportunities to make water available to meet this need,” she concluded.