The project is funded by the Australian Government ($2.2 million) and the New South Wales Government ($2.2 million). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The wastewater treatment ponds will be upgraded during the project. Image credit: NSW DCCEEW.
Project overview
This project will improve water security in the Walhallow Aboriginal Community in New South Wales. The village's residents experience several issues with their water:
- the high mineral content makes the water very hard, discoloured and affects the taste
- water is lost through leaks in the supply network
- the wastewater infrastructure is failing and wastewater is flowing into the nearby floodplain.
The project will address these concerns by:
- installing a containerised water treatment system
- replacing old pipes and supporting infrastructure
- building a solar-powered scheme to recycle wastewater.
The wastewater scheme will include a 3-hectare woodlot with more than 3,000 native trees. The Community will own and run the woodlot.
The project will also:
- improve health and liveability
- provide employment opportunities
- prevent further damage to the supply network
- protect the surrounding environment.
Around 200 Aboriginal residents will benefit from this investment. This project is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to Close the Gap on water security in First Nations households.
Key project benefits
Read more
- Joint media release: New water future secured for Walhallow | Ministers
- Find out more about First Nations water infrastructure projects