Overview
Aboriginal Victorians hold distinct cultural rights, including the right to maintain their spiritual, material and economic relationship with their traditional lands and waters. The connection to land, water and resources on Country is important to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians, particularly Traditional Owners.
Measures under Goal 18 have improved
There are more formal partnerships for cultural heritage and water management between Aboriginal communities and Registered Aboriginal Parties and with the Victorian Government.
Goal 18 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Targets
Outcome 15: People maintain a distinctive cultural, spiritual, physical and economic relationship with their land and waters.
- Target 15a: By 2030, a 15 per cent increase in Australia’s land mass subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests.
- Target 15b: By 2030, a 15 per cent increase in areas covered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests in the sea.
Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally
Outcome 15a and 15b: As at 30 June 2025, 4,421,946 square kilometres of the land mass of Australia and 113,496 square kilometres of the sea country of Australia were subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights or interests. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2020), both the land mass and sea country targets show improvement and are on track to be met. In Victoria, between 2024 to 2025, the land mass subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights or interests decreased by 1 square kilometre (to 16,350 square kilometres) and the sea country subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights or interests did not change (295 square kilometres).
Data Note
The following measures rely on datasets that are infrequently collected. No new data was available at the time of reporting.
- Measure 18.1.1 Area of Crown land with native title determinations and/or Recognition and Settlement Agreements
- Measure 18.1.4 Number of Whole of Country Plans published.
Historical data for the measure is available on the First Peoples – State Relations website
18.1 Increase the recognition and enjoyment of Aboriginal land, water and cultural heritage right
Measure 18.1.1 Area of Crown land with native title determinations and/or Recognition and Settlement Agreements
Data for measure 18.1.1 has not been updated since the 2024 Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report.
Measure 18.1.2 Work of the State in advancing the Treaty process
The Statewide Treaty was signed by the Victorian Government and the First People’s Assembly of Victoria on 13 November 2025 at a ceremony which included the Governor providing Royal Assent to the Statewide Treaty Act 2025. The Statewide Treaty commenced following the ceremonial exchange between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly in a public event at John Cain Arena on 12 December 2025. The Statewide Treaty Act evolves the successful First People’s Assembly into a legislated body, Gellung Warl, that will represent First Peoples and make decisions within our existing parliamentary and democratic structures.
Now the Treaty has been signed, the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly are working together to action the commitments that have been made in the Treaty.
The First Peoples’ Assembly completed the necessary work prior to the transitional elections provided for in the Statewide Treaty Act 2025. The transitional elections saw a new First Peoples’ Assembly of Gellung Warl elected prior to the establishment of Gellung Warl from 1 May 2026.
Measure 18.1.3 Number of Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) that have entered into an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Land Management Agreement
What does the data say?
In 2025, there was one Notice of Intention lodged by a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAPs) and two Aboriginal cultural heritage land management agreements (ACHLMA) were entered. In total in Victoria there have been a total of 6 ACHLMA agreed between the Victorian Government and RAPs.
Does the data show improvement or decline?
Since 2024 there has been 1 more NOI lodged and 2 more ACHLMAs. Since 2017 the number of NOIs and ACHLMAs lodged has been steadily increasing.
The long-term increase in NOIs and ACHLMAs means that results for this measure are improving.
Measure 18.1.5 Number of Joint Management Plans and area of land covered
What does the data say?
In 2025, there were approximately 1,225.75 km2 of Victoria covered by Joint Management Plans (JMP). Of that, ten parks and reserves covering 470.7 km2 were managed by Gunaikurnai JMP, six parks and reserves covering 470 km2 were managed by Dja Dja Wurrung JMP, and 1 park and/or reserve covering 285.1 km2 was managed by Barmah National Park JMP.
Does the data show improvement or decline?
In 2024, no new Victorian land was covered by a JMP. There has not been an increase in JMPs since 2022.
The number of JMPs remaining the same since 2022 means this measure is stagnant.
DEECA, DPC and DTP continue to partner with Traditional Owners on the establishment of Traditional Owner Land Management Boards to lead JMPs.
Buchan Caves Reserve Plan
SDRF enabler 1: Prioritise culture
SDRF enabler 4: Transfer power and resources to community
Buchan Caves Reserve is jointly managed by Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria. The Caves Reserve is a major tourist attraction in East Gippsland attracting more than 120,000 visitors per annum. The caves are a significant local employer and are highly important to the East Gippsland tourism economy.
This project involves substantial re-establishment and rebuilding work following the bushfires and presents an opportunity to enhance the visitor experience while supporting increased involvement of the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners in the site's operation and management.
Jointly developed by Gunaikurnai and Parks Victoria, the Buchan Caves Reserve Plan aligns with the Joint Management Plan and identifies several key opportunities for redevelopment, including:
- Strengthening the protection and storytelling of Gunaikurnai culture as a core component of the visitor experience.
- Increasing Gunaikurnai involvement in the reserve's management and operation.
- Upgrading visitor facilities to enhance the overall experience.
- Encouraging growth in day and overnight visitation, particularly during off-peak periods.
- Improving infrastructure to accommodate higher visitor numbers during peak periods.
- Expanding the caves' economic contribution to the region.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) has played a significant role in the development and delivery of this project. Funded through the Bushfire Tourism and Business Fund, managed by RDV, the project has also benefited from RDV's ongoing support as active members of both the Project Working Group and the Project Control Group. Their contributions ensure effective project coordination and delivery while supporting the site's redevelopment in partnership with Gunaikurnai and Parks Victoria. The funding for the project was announced in February 2020. For more information about the funding, visit: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/more-support-fire-affected-businesses-an…
Although delivery remains ongoing, the project is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Since the 2019/20 bushfires, the reserve has remained predominately closed while remediation, repairs and safety works were completed. Progress has faced additional challenges, including multiple severe weather events such as flooding and an earthquake, which have delayed timelines. Once completed, the restored reserve will serve as a valuable cultural and tourism asset for Traditional Owners and visitors alike, fostering greater economic and cultural growth for the East Gippsland region.
Measure 18.1.6 Number of cultural burns conducted
What does the data say?
In 2024–25, 26 cultural burns were conducted. Of those, 4 were conducted by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) Aboriginal Corporation, 4 by Bunurong Land Council, 3 by DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), 1 by First Peoples Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, 2 by Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), 1 by Taungurung Land and Waters Council Aboriginal Corporation, 4 by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, 5 by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and 2 by Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.
Does the data show improvement or decline?
Since 2023–24, there have been 3 fewer cultural burns. Since 2018–19 there have been 22 more cultural burns. The increase in cultural burns over the long term means that results are improving for this measure.
The number of Traditional Owner burns delivered will vary from year-to-year and be subject to a variety of factors, including: bushfire activities (such as the Grampians and Little Desert fires), the delivery of the fuel reduction program and unsuitable burning conditions. A key factor in 2024-25 was the unseasonally dry Autumn which meant many Traditional Owner Corporations postponed operations due to conditions not suiting the Cultural and land management objectives for the burns.
Wadawurrung Wiyn – Healing Country with Fire
SDRF enabler 1: Prioritise culture
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s (WTOAC) Wiyn Murrup Rangers have been working with partners to reintroduce Cultural fire practices across Wadawurrung Dja (Country).
A major milestone was the launch of Wadawurrung Wiyn – Cultural Fire Strategy: Healing Country with Fire. This strategy was shaped through inclusive engagement with Wadawurrung WTOAC staff and Wadawurrung members, who came together in a series of events to co-design the vision.
The launch event, held at the Wadawurrung Ballan Depot – Bostock was a celebration of community, culture and collaboration, attended by partners who have supported Wadawurrung on their journey.
The strategy outlines three key objectives:
- Build connections
- Share knowledge
- Be empowered
In 2024–25, Wadawurrung Wiyn Murrup Rangers delivered nine cultural burns across Dja in collaboration with partners. To support the growing fire program, Wadawurrung also invested in fit-for-purpose fleet vehicles, including a fire-line compliant Landcruiser and a tanker. This infrastructure enhances their capacity to deliver Cultural burns and, when appropriate, partner with DEECA in fuel reduction and emergency response efforts.
Wadawurrung continues to look ahead, forging new collaborations to expand the reach of cultural fire practices.
Measure 18.1.7 Number of formal partnership agreements for planning and management between Aboriginal Communities and key water and catchment agencies
What does the data say?
In 2024–25, There were 177 active and ongoing formal partnership agreements for planning and management between Aboriginal communities and key water and catchment agencies. In the same year there were 44 closed key water management agreements. This means that 80.1 per cent of key water management agreements were active and ongoing.
Does the data show improvement or decline?
Since 2023–24, there were 52 more active and ongoing key water management agreements. Since 2018–19, there were 122 more active and ongoing key water management agreements. With both short- and long-term growth in the number of active and ongoing key water management agreements results for this measure are improving.
The decrease of key water management agreements in 2023-24 was partly caused by the active efforts of some water corporations to consolidate partnership agreements with Aboriginal communities to streamline program funding arrangements and reduce administrative burden. It is important that key water and catchment agencies are in partnership with Traditional Owners over the use of water. Self-determination of water flows are an important tool for caring for Country.
Integrating a Country-centred perspective into planning for waterways
SDRF enabler 1: Prioritise culture
Over the past decade, the Progressive Planning for Waterways Program has strengthened how the planning system supports the care and protection of waterways across Victoria. Traditional Owners’ self-determined inputs across a range of projects have embedded First Peoples’ cultural values and expertise in the planning system, with planning schemes now recognising the multiple layers of meaning and identity that waterways hold.
In 2025, state planning policy updates to the Victoria Planning Provisions formally recognised that all waterways are living entities and connected systems. Planning decisions for all waterways across Victoria must now take this perspective into account.
New and expanded planning controls, shaped in partnership with Traditional Owners, have also been applied to 22 waterways in and around Melbourne. Planning schemes now include statements of significance that embed language and reference species, places and cultural values important to Traditional Owners, ensuring these are considered in all planning decisions for these waterways. They now also formally recognise the Yarra River by its rightful name, Birrarung.
Goal 18 – Victorian Government Investment and Action
The key Aboriginal Governance Forum for realising outcomes in this Domain is the State-wide Caring for Country Partnership Forum.
Land
Joint management plans realise the shared aspirations and responsibilities of Traditional Owners and the State to manage Country that acknowledges the inherent obligation of Traditional Owners to care for their Country.
The plans empower Traditional Owners to lead change in transforming management practices, fostering the healing of Country and ensuring the sustainable management of parks and reserves for the benefit of all Victorians.
The plans are developed by a Traditional Owner Land Management Board comprising either a majority of or exclusively Traditional Owners. Traditional Owner-led governance, provided by the respective Board, ensures that Country is at the core of decision-making regarding the management of jointly managed areas.
Outdoor Recreation and Nature Statement was completed and provides direction and key actions for Traditional Owner collaboration in forest management, enabling the Cultural Landscapes Strategy to be further embedded in forest management frameworks.
DEECA funding has also supported Traditional Owners to lead on revegetation (through BushBank), reading and healing Country, restoring Spirit on Country and increasing capacity to participate in biodiversity including through co-investment processes and leading the delivery of on-ground biodiversity actions. Economic opportunities such as plant nurseries and undertaking land management of conservation areas have also progressed.
Traditional Owner Corporation inclusion in the First Right of Refusal process for surplus government held land
In May 2025, the Victorian Government approved changes to the Landholding Policy to include Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in the State's First Right of Refusal (FROR) process for surplus government held land. The inclusion of RAPs in this process means that for the first time, Traditional Owner Corporations have the same access to information and opportunity to express interest in acquiring surplus land as government entities.
Returning Aboriginal Title to Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
As part of the Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, the Victorian Government has committed to returning Aboriginal Title over parts of Baw Baw National Park and Alpine National Park, as well as the entirety of Avon Wilderness Park and Nooramunga Coastal and Marine Park, for joint management with the State.
The Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap
The Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap (the Roadmap) was finalised and released in December 2024. The Roadmap outlines a vision for a strategically and economically important critical minerals industry that is valued by the community. This will be achieved through a comprehensive geoscience-to-mine-to-manufacture approach that emphasises meaningful community consultation, partnerships with Traditional Owners and sustainable mining practices.
One of the key themes in the Roadmap is the development of a Traditional Owner benefit sharing model. Resources Victoria met with the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporations (FVTOC) on 18 March 2025 to understand how FVTOC can support partnerships with Traditional Owners in its role as secretariat for the Traditional Owner Corporation Caucus. The Roadmap highlights the importance of partnering with Traditional Owners to support self-determination in the Roadmap, with aims to progress this engagement as soon as possible.
The Roadmap also emphasises ongoing engagement between Resources Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage considerations are embedded at the appropriate early stages of strategic project planning. This work is ongoing and includes coordination across other areas of government to streamline engagement.
Aboriginal Led Emergency Preparedness
DH invested $600,000 to support the delivery of the Aboriginal Led Emergency Preparedness funding program in 2024-2025. VACCHO was funded to support the delivery of the funding program whereby 14 ACCOs undertook a range of self-determined emergency preparedness and planning activities. This included updating and developing emergency plans, policies, staff training and community education, and purchasing emergency equipment. DH was also provided information on Aboriginal self-determined emergency preparedness gaps and opportunities that will inform ongoing work by the department.
Water
It is essential that key water and catchment agencies partner with Aboriginal communities in the use and management of water in Victoria. This is an important enabler of self-determination in the Water portfolio and is vital to support First Peoples’ rights to care for Country.
DEECA and water and catchment agencies are continuing to progress the outcomes of Water is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap which supports a range of partnerships between Aboriginal communities and the water sector in Victoria.
A key commitment under Water is Life is Outcome 2 – develop a provision in the Statement of Obligations for water entities to enter formal partnership agreements with Traditional Owners to make and implement decisions about water landscapes management on their Country. This work is currently being progressed.
DEECA is working with Closing the Gap partners on the development of a jurisdictional Inland Waters Target under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The volume of water entitlements held by Traditional Owners and Aboriginal organisations has steadily grown since 2020. When Water is Life was published in September 2022, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal organisations held 6.797 gigalitres (GL) of water entitlements. At 30 June 2025, the total volume held by 19 Traditional Owners or Aboriginal organisations is: 9.78 GL. Of this, the total volume returned to Traditional Owners by government commitments is: 7.16 GL. There is currently no target for the transfer of water to Traditional Owners and further work is underway to set an inland waters target in line with the expectations of First Peoples.
In March 2025, the Water is Life Statewide Traditional Owner Oversight Forum was held on Taungurung Country. Fifty-seven Traditional Owner organisation representatives attended the forum and met with staff in DEECA, including the First Nations Water Branch (FNWB) staff and DEECA decision makers.
Cultural burns
Cultural burning is an integral part of enabling Traditional Owners to heal Country and fulfil their rights and obligations to care for Country. It has an emphasis on inter-generational learning, including healing and maintaining connection to Country.
In recognition of the wide range of land and fire management objectives that can be achieved through cultural burning (including the reduction of fuels and bushfire risk), FFMVic and CFA support Traditional Owners to plan and deliver cultural burns nominated and approved for inclusion on the JFMP.
There are a diversity of ways Traditional Owner groups want to use cultural fire and undertake land management. DEECA, continues to build partnerships with Traditional Owner groups to deliver cultural burning on public land, build capacity through the Cultural Fire Grants Program, and provide operational support for implementation of The Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Strategy.
The CFA is working with Traditional Owner groups and First Nations communities to enable more cultural fire, linking in with The Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Strategy with the CFA Koori Inclusion Action Plan.
Updated