Flowing forward on $20m cultural flows planning for cultural economies program

5 August 2025

Grants of up to $300,000 are now available to help First Nations groups in the Murray–Darling Basin prepare to access, own and manage water entitlements - including those secured through the $100 million Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program.

The Albanese Government’s $20 million Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies grant program supports First Nations peoples to achieve spiritual, Cultural, environmental, social and economic water outcomes.

The grant program was designed in collaboration with First Nations peoples. Grants can support First Nations groups to: 

  • develop Cultural flows plans that define the flows their Country needs, including, quantity, quality, movement and how flows vary throughout the year.

  • enhance governance structures to support self-determination and to meet the legal requirements for owning water in the Murray–Darling Basin.

  • develop water-dependent business plans that can either link sustainable business models to Cultural flows planning to support a Nations’ self-determination and economic independence, or develop business plans to support Nations to achieve the economic goals of their Cultural flows plans.

A Cultural flows plan may reflect a Nations’ spiritual, Cultural, economic, environmental and social needs for water on their Country. Nations can use these plans to:

  • support community decision-making around how to access, own and manage water in the Murray–Darling Basin water market in the future and

  • communicate with government water planners, to reflect their Nations’ water needs in water planning.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was investing a record amount to deliver water entitlements for Murray–Darling Basin First Nations communities.

“These grants will ensure First Nations communities have access to the right support and skillsets to own and manage water entitlements for their Cultural, social, environmental and economic benefit,” Minister Watt said.

“Our Government has listened to the needs of First Nations communities and is delivering these programs with First Nations Peoples - not for them.”

Applications for the program close on 15 October 2025 and successful applicants will have up to two years to complete their projects.

More information is available at Supporting Cultural flows planning for Cultural economies in the Murray–Darling Basin - DCCEEW and to apply go to Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies | business.gov.au