Work is set to begin on a $122 million upgrade of ageing power, water and sewer infrastructure in the remote Northern Territory Aboriginal community of Muṯitjulu.

Located 1.5km from Uluṟu within the boundaries of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Muṯitjulu is home to about 300 people, including Aṉangu with strong cultural connections to the park, as well as residents who work in the community and national park.

The Federal Government-funded project will upgrade the water, power and sewerage networks serving Muṯitjulu, Maruku and Rangerville, as well as install new renewable energy infrastructure.

The project will include a 3MW solar array and a 1MW battery system, which the government says will improve sustainability and reduce costs and demand for diesel fuel.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the project would make a significant difference to the region, allowing families in Muṯitjulu to have safer and more reliable utilities.

"The delivery of works will be planned and carried out in close consultation with residents, so it closely reflects the needs and wants of the community," she said.

"Bringing renewable energy to Muṯitjulu will reduce reliance on diesel fuel and help deliver more reliable power for families into the future."

An early works package completed in November 2024 delivered new power, water and sewerage infrastructure to vacant land in the township, allowing the Northern Territory Government to construct 12 new homes.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the upgrades would improve the reliability and resilience of essential services.

"This significant investment will deliver lasting benefits for residents, create employment and training opportunities, and help ensure the community is supported to thrive, with the upgrades paving the way for new housing and health services," he said.

"We expect preparation work to start in town in the next few weeks, with full construction to kick off in January, weather allowing."

Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, welcomed the progress.

"Existing essential services at Muṯitjulu are over 30 years old. This is a massive undertaking, and has been a long time coming, so it's great that contractors are now able to get on with the job," she said.

"Functioning essential services are critically important for maintaining health, safety and living standards in remote communities."