Water security a focus of Cape York projects
CAPE YORK
Critical work has begun to deliver water security projects for two of our Indigenous communities.
Jointly funded by the Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Crisafulli Government, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal are among five communities to benefit from the project.
Construction activities have started at the two sites, as well as at Cherbourg and Doomadgee. Work is expected to start at Mornington Island in the coming months.
At Wujal Wujal, upgrades to the water treatment plant have begun, while at Northern Peninsula Area, 2.7km of new and upgraded water mains are being installed and the Bamaga water treatment plant upgrades will begin soon.
At Cherbourg construction is underway on new town mains and Bert Button Reservoir, while treatment plant upgrades will start in the next few months. Work has started on a new 2 megalitre water storage tank, while it will also get treatment plant upgrades.
Weather permitting, construction for all projects is on track for completion by late this year.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the partnership demonstrated the shared commitment to improving essential services.
“By investing in critical infrastructure now, we’re ensuring the (five) communities will have access to safe, reliable drinking water well into the future,” Minister Watt said.
“Delivering these projects marks a significant step forward in strengthening water security for First Nations communities in Queensland."
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the project was delivering a plan for Queensland’s future.
“Access to clean, reliable drinking water should be available to every Queenslander, no matter where they live,” Minister Leahy said.
“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.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said everyone deserved access to clean and reliable water.
“This investment is about empowering more First Nations communities to thrive on their own terms,” Minister McCarthy said.
“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.”
Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water across the State.
“By investing in the right water infrastructure today, we are helping build more resilient communities and supporting better living conditions for generations to come,” Minister Simpson said.
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Frederick O’Keefe said it was fantastic to see progress achieve 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.”
