- Urgent works completed to restore Woorabinda's existing Water Treatment Plant.
- Council has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for community, after 11 months.
- Further upgrades to deliver improved water security for Woorabinda long-term are expected to commence later this year.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council have made critical progress in restoring a clean drinking water supply to Woorabinda, allowing an 11-month boil water alert to be lifted.
This achievement is thanks to a $36 million First Nations water security project, jointly funded by the Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Crisafulli Government's Closing the Gap Priorities Fund.
The project has allowed urgent repairs to be done to the existing Water Treatment Plant, resulting in the plant returning to working condition.
Repairs undertaken include the installation of new filter media, dosing pumps, online instrumentation and electrical upgrades.
These upgrades enable council operators to effectively monitor water quality and adjust treatment processes in response to raw water quality changes, an important function to ensure safe drinking water for their community in the short term.
Planning and design of fit-for-purpose, long-term improvements to Woorabinda's water infrastructure, from supply through to distribution, are underway. Construction activities are expected to begin later this year.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said better water meant better health.
"Everyone deserves access to clean and reliable water, regardless of who they are, or where they live," Minister Watt said.
"Better water means better health and better life outcomes for people and that's why projects like this are a critical investment for rural and remote communities across Australia.
"The Albanese Government will continue to work with our Queensland partners to Close the Gap on water security in this great state."
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the focus was now on ensuring Woorabinda has secure water well into the future.
"No community should have to worry about whether their drinking water is safe. Being able to turn on the tap again and trust the water is safe will make a real difference for families in Woorabinda," Senator McCarthy said.
"This is a really important step that shows what's possible when governments work closely with community. The immediate repairs were critical and now the focus is on making sure Woorabinda has secure water well into the future."
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said delivering access to clean, reliable drinking water was a priority for the Crisafulli Government.
"Access to clean, reliable drinking water is a high priority for the Crisafulli Government, and we are committed to securing Woorabinda's water supply well into the future," Minister Leahy said.
"This is a significant milestone for the Woorabinda community, with the Boil Water Advisory lifted at last. These urgent repairs restored access to safe drinking water in the short term.
"Planning is already underway for a long-term infrastructure solution that will provide a secure, safe and reliable water supply for generations to come.
"This achievement is a testament to all three levels of government working together to deliver real and lasting benefits for the Woorabinda community. I look forward to seeing this project continue to progress."
Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the community shouldn't need to worry about whether their water is safe.
"This is a fantastic outcome that will greatly improve the quality of life for Woorabinda residents, who should not have had to worry about whether their water is safe for their families to drink," Minister Simpson said.
"I visited the community last year and heard first-hand their desperation for quick action from multiple levels of government.
"The Queensland Crisafulli Government immediately committed $18 million to upgrade this critical infrastructure from our Closing the Gap Priorities Fund.
"I also congratulate Mayor Munns on his advocacy and leadership."
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said restoring the clean water supply was a great outcome.
"Restoring a basic human right of having access to clean drinking water, without having to first boil it, is a great outcome," Mr Dillon said.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council to deliver permanent, long-term solutions for water security."
Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Terence Munns said this was a huge relief to the community.
"The lifting of the Boil Water Advisory is a huge relief for our community, and we're grateful for the urgent repairs that have made this possible," Mayor Munns said.
"We will continue to work closely with our government partners to secure a safe and reliable water supply for our community into the future."
