Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Minister for Water
Walhallow is transforming its water services thanks to a $4.4 million joint investment from the Albanese and Minns Governments that will boost water reliability and create a more sustainable future for the northwest village.
The Walhallow Aboriginal Community Water Supply and Wastewater Reuse Project will deliver two significant pieces of infrastructure including:
- a containerised water treatment plant
- a wastewater recycling scheme that recycles 100 percent of the wastewater, which will be used to irrigate a three-hectare community-owned woodlot, powered by solar energy and planted with around 3,200 native trees.
Currently residents rely solely on bore water that has high levels of iron and manganese and has to be treated using a chlorination system to make it safe to drink. However, this water is often still left discoloured and with poor taste.
The new containerised plant will treat water to a much higher standard using advanced filtration to improve taste and clarity.
It will also reduce water loss by replacing the existing ageing cement mains that are prone to leaks. This upgrade also has the potential to reduce water bills for locals.
In addition, a new wastewater recycling scheme will offer an innovative sewage solution to better manage waste and reduce health and environmental risks from leakage or overflow. Works will also include repair and upgrades to the existing sewage storage ponds to prevent any leaks into the surrounding floodplain.
Design work is currently underway with construction due to start in September 2026 and is expected to be complete by 2028.
Funding is provided through a 50/50 partnership between the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the NSW Government's Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewage Program.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
"This project will give Walhallow residents confidence in their water supply and ensure essential services keep pace with community needs.
"Every community deserves access to safe and reliable drinking water.
"It's an excellent example of how investments in regional water infrastructure deliver real and tangible results for First Nations communities, helping to build resilience for future generations.
"We're proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver this project and it's a great example of what can be achieved when different levels of government come together to support remote communities, like Walhallow."
Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson:
"Reliable water is the backbone of any thriving community, and these funds will overhaul the day-to-day services that people rely on to ensure Walhallow has the infrastructure it needs to evolve well into the future.
"The project is more than just new pipes and plants, it's about people. We're involving the community in choosing trees for the woodlot and creating local job opportunities, so the positive impact of this project will benefit residents for the long-term.
"This project will strengthen Walhallow's water system, safeguard public health, and deliver a stronger water supply and wastewater system."
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Chairperson for the Walhallow Aboriginal Lands Council Ray Saunders:
"We're extremely grateful for the Australian and NSW Government's support to secure better water, alongside the delivery of an innovative wastewater scheme that will not only protect our environment but provide opportunities to support our future economy.
"For decades, we've relied on bore water that's just not up to scratch. It's unpleasant to drink, costly to manage, and over time has caused damage to water infrastructure and household appliances.
"This project will change all that by delivering a more secure supply of clean, fresh drinking water, and upgrade infrastructure to reduce leaks which could help slash costs which is great news for our community."
