$25M Injection Boosts Remote Water Security

NT Government

The Finocchiaro CLP Government will invest $25.1 million over four years to deliver clean, reliable water to remote communities across the Territory.

This funding will help unlock a further $100.4 million from the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund (NWGF), supporting critical upgrades to water systems in high-need areas.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said secure water is essential to economic growth and community wellbeing.

"In many remote communities, water stress is a real barrier to new housing and infrastructure," he said.

"We're working closely with the NWGF to replace ageing infrastructure, drill new bores and support future growth."

The re-development of the Numbulwar's water supply system will be the next project submitted to the NWGF.

A new, higher-quality water source has already been located through bore drilling under a successful Phase 1 submission, with Phase 2 focused on supporting a proposed new subdivision.

"Improving water supply directly addresses issues like overcrowding, poor health and social disadvantage in remote communities," Mr Edgington said.

"This is a practical step in our year of action, certainty and security."

Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan, said the CLP Government's investment would help leverage further funding and accelerate development.

"Numbulwar has been facing long-term water challenges, including poor quality drinking water," Mr Yan said

"Securing water is critical to building new homes and supporting regional growth."

Two joint NT-Australian Government funding proposals are currently before the NWGF:

$17.85 million to upgrade the water supply at Galiwinku$14.98 million for new water infrastructure at Gunyangara (Phase 2) west of Nhulunbuy

The Northern Territory Government is contributing $5.6 million and the Commonwealth $26.5 million with Gumatj Corporation contributing $1 million for the Gunyangara project.

To date, the Territory has secured $102 million for seven water projects across communities, including Yuendumu, Milingimbi, Numbulwar, Maningrida, Yirrkala and Gunyangara.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.