42 projects now supporting more than 100 First Nations communities

At this year’s Garma Festival, the Australian Government announced $60.8 million towards 6 new First Nations water infrastructure projects.

The festival is a 4-day celebration of life and culture, held in remote north-east Arnhem Land.

The 6 projects include the construction of new and upgraded water infrastructure. Each project will support economic, health and cultural benefits for communities.

This announcement means the National Water Grid is delivering 42 projects to more than 100 First Nations communities. Total investment for First Nations projects has now reached $191 million. This surpasses the original $150 million Closing the Gap commitment and reflects the importance of these projects.

New projects

All projects are being delivered alongside state and territory governments.

Woorabinda water supply improvement (Queensland)

This project includes upgrades and replacement of existing water infrastructure. It will be delivered in 2 stages and address:

  • failing raw water supply infrastructure
  • a deteriorating water treatment plant.

Project page: Woorabinda water supply improvement

Galiwin’ku network upgrade and water quality planning strategy (Northern Territory)

This project will improve water supply and quality by:

  • replacing ageing and leaking pipes
  • investigating options to address the corrosive source water.

Project page: Galiwin’ku network upgrade and water quality planning strategy

Gove Peninsula water supply upgrade phase 2 (Northern Territory)

This project will address water loss and support community growth in Gunyangara by:

  • upgrading supply mains
  • increasing storage capacity
  • installing a water disinfection system.

This project is also funded by the Gumatj Corporation.

Project page: Gove Peninsula water supply upgrade – Gunyangara (phase 2)

Halls Creek water security upgrade (Western Australia)

This project includes equipping bores and aims to:

  • ensure water supply can meet peak demand
  • reduce the risk of water outages and restrictions.

Project page: Halls Creek water security upgrade

APY Lands water supply revitalisation (South Australia)

This project will improve water supply in 8 Aboriginal communities. Work includes upgrading and replacing existing water infrastructure such as:

  • groundwater wells
  • network connections.

Project page: APY Lands water supply revitalisation

An image of a small township in a remote area. There is a cluster of small light-coloured buildings and an elevated water tank in the foreground, surrounded by a large expanse of arid bushland with red dirt and rocks, grasses, trees and a bright blue sky.
A typical setting for water supply to a small First Nations community in the APY Lands. The image shows a groundwater wells supply tank and water treatment plant adjacent to the community. Image credit: SA Water

Securing critical human water needs to self-supplied remote First Nations communities (South Australia)

This project will deliver a range of solutions to 4 Flinders Ranges communities. Solutions include:

  • bolstered water storage
  • new and refurbished bores
  • ultraviolet disinfection and groundwater softening systems
  • back-up portable reverse osmosis units and monitoring systems.

Project page: Securing critical water needs for self-supplied remote First Nations communities

Projects already delivering positive outcomes

Housing support

The National Water Grid’s Milingimbi project in the Northern Territory is supporting the:

  • development of 32 new homes
  • work to extend 32 existing homes.

This is part of the joint-government Remote Housing Investment Package.

Dialysis treatment support

National Water Grid projects are providing water to support dialysis treatment units across:

  • 4 communities in the Northern Territory
  • 3 communities in Western Australia.

These units are funded under the Australian Government’s Better Renal Services for First Nations Peoples program.