Partnering with Aboriginal peoples
Water for Country is environmental water use planned by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Aboriginal people to achieve shared benefits for the environment and cultural places, values and/or interests.
In 2026–27, we will partner with Aboriginal peoples and organisations across the Hunter catchment, including the Awabakal, Worimi, Wonnarua and Geawegal nations. For example, we will:
- continue to build and strengthen long-term relationships with Aboriginal communities
- facilitate planning of environmental water releases that provide shared benefits with Aboriginal people
- engage with Aboriginal communities to identify opportunities for cultural watering actions.
Key planned actions for 2026–27
Native fish
Water managers will deliver environmental flows to support native fish breeding and dispersal, particularly for Australian bass, throughout the Hunter catchment. Releases in winter will encourage downstream migration into the Hunter estuary for spawning, while spring and summer releases will support the upstream migration of female adults and juvenile native fish.
Native animals
Planned environmental water releases will support a diversity of suitable habitats for water-dependent animals, including macroinvertebrates, frogs, platypus and turtles. These actions will increase resource availability and productivity, and provide opportunities for breeding and recruitment. Inundation of connected wetlands and ponds may also provide critical breeding habitat for frog species.
Connectivity
Water managers will seek opportunities to improve longitudinal connectivity along the Hunter River to encourage the dispersal of native fish throughout the river system.
Map of proposed annual priority targets in the Hunter water resource plan area 2026–27
For more information on each catchments resource availability scenario and expected volumes visit our Annual environmental watering priorities 2026-27 webpage.
