Indigenous water reserves
There are unallocated water reserves held in water plans across Queensland.
This water can be made available for projects that provide social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.
Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders don't need approval to use water for traditional activities or cultural purposes, such as:
- hunting, fishing, gathering or camping
- performing rites or other ceremonies
- visiting sites of significance.
You can also take water for a house or for watering stock without a water licence, unless it is groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin.
Accessing Indigenous unallocated water reserves
If you are interested in accessing unallocated water for other purposes, you can make an expression of interest at any time by:
- completing the Expression of interest for unallocated water form (PDF)
- emailing the completed form to waterhub@rdmw.qld.gov.au.
Expressing your interest lets us know if there is a demand for water. This helps us plan future unallocated water releases.
If you register your interest, we will notify you when a release occurs in your area so you can apply.
Submitting an expression of interest does not automatically make you eligible for being granted a water entitlement.
Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area reserve
Eligible people in the Cape York water plan area can claim a share of the Cape York Peninsula Heritage Area (CYPHA) reserve by requesting a water licence, at no cost.
Find out more about CYPHA water licences.
Also consider…
- Find out more about accessing unallocated water.
- Find out more about the water planning process.
- Find out more about community water projects.
For information on unallocated water in your area, contact your local business centre.