The Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, will invest $60.8 million for six new First Nations water infrastructure projects across remote Australia.
Announced by the Prime Minister at the 25th annual Garma Festival, the projects will improve essential town supplies to support liveability and water security in remote First Nations communities, supporting a further 9,000 people on Country.
The six projects, funded by the Albanese Government, are:
- $18 million for the Woorabinda water supply improvement (Queensland)
- $14.3 million for the Galiwin'ku network upgrade and water quality planning strategy (Northern Territory)
- $13.7 million for the Gove Peninsula water supply upgrade phase 2 (Northern Territory)
- $6 million for the Halls Creek water security upgrade (Western Australia)
- $5.1 million for the APY Lands water supply revitalisation (South Australia)
- $3.7 million for Securing critical human water needs for self-supplied remote First Nations communities (South Australia)
Each project will be co-funded by state and territory governments, with the Gumatj Corporation providing a funding contribution to the Gove Peninsula project.
Several of these commitments build upon previous National Water Grid Fund construction, planning and science investments to ensure long-term and evidence-based outcomes.
These projects will enable the economic empowerment of First Nations people through employment and training opportunities, tourism initiatives and housing development, as well as support environmental protection and climate resilience.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the Albanese Government is committed to bringing water security to our remote First Nations communities.
"Everyone across Australia deserves access to clean and reliable water, regardless of where they live. Communities should be able to trust what's coming out of their taps. Better water means better health and better life outcomes.
"That's why we're continuing to invest in projects that will deliver critical water infrastructure projects in remote First Nations communities.
"We know living and practising culture on Country is important, and projects like these will ensure First Nations people can remain close to family and community.
"We will continue to work with our state and territory partners and First Nations organisations and representatives to Close the Gap on water security."
The total National Water Grid funding towards First Nations community projects now stands at more than $191 million for 42 projects, supporting more than 100 First Nations communities across 6 jurisdictions (New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory).
The Albanese Government's $150 million National Water Grid Fund commitment to provide safe and reliable water in First Nations communities has now been surpassed by this investment package.
These projects also support progress towards Closing the Gap Target 9b, which focuses on equitable essential services in communities.
