Critical work has begun to deliver water security projects for the Indigenous communities of Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal in Queensland.
Jointly funded by the federal government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Queensland government, the projects aim to ensure all five communities have access to safe, clean and secure drinking water supply into the future.
Construction activities are currently underway for Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal projects, and expected to begin at Mornington Island in the months ahead.
In Cherbourg construction is underway for new town mains and Bert Button Reservoir, and water treatment plant upgrades are to begin in coming months.
In Doomadgee construction is underway for a new 2 megalitre treated water storage tank, with water treatment plant upgrades planned for later this year.
More than 2.7 km of new and upgraded water mains have been installed in the Northern Peninsula Area, and Bamaga water treatment plant upgrades are set to begin in coming months.
In Mornington Island, the detailed design has been finalised and water treatment plant upgrades will be carried out later this year.
Construction is underway to upgrade the water treatment plant in Wujal Wujal.
Project partners are continuing to work closely with local councils and with water operators to engage with communities throughout construction, and construction for all projects is on track for completion by late this year, weather permitting.
'For far too long, we've had to depend on outdated water supply infrastructure'
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Frederick O'Keefe said it was "fantastic" to see progress on the upgrades.
"For far too long, we've had to depend on outdated water supply infrastructure. I want to thank both the Australian and Queensland governments for acknowledging this challenge and stepping up to provide the support needed," Mayor O'Keefe said.
"It's fantastic to see the progress already achieved on these upgrades. Together, we're delivering essential infrastructure that will truly improve the lives of the people in Doomadgee."
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said everyone deserved access to clean and reliable water in communities across Queensland.
"Everyone deserves access to clean and reliable water. This investment is about empowering more First Nations communities to thrive on their own terms," Senator McCarthy said.
"By working closely with the communities of Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal as well as the Queensland Government, local councils and water operators, we're delivering critical infrastructure that strengthens longterm water security.
"These projects are vital for Closing the Gap, ensuring families have reliable access to safe water, helping to deliver better health outcomes and building stronger, more resilient First Nations communities."
Water security critical in disaster-prone areas
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said access to clean, reliable drinking water "should be available to every Queenslander, no matter where they live".
"Delivering new and upgraded infrastructure in Queensland's remote and disaster-prone areas can be challenging, which is why strong progress on these critical water security projects is so important," Ms Leahy said.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the partnership between all levels of government demonstrated the shared commitment to improving essential services.
"This partnership between all levels of government demonstrates our shared commitment to improving essential services and supporting the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities," he said.
Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the state government was delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water across the State.
"These projects are delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water to families in Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, the Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal," Ms Simpson said.
"The Crisafulli Government is working closely with local councils and community leaders to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By investing in the right water infrastructure today, we are helping build more resilient communities and supporting better living conditions for generations to come."
