Critical works are underway 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 Queensland Government and the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, the projects will ensure all five communities have access to safe, clean and secure drinking water supply into the future, said Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann Leahy.
“Access to clean, reliable drinking water should be available to every Queenslander, no matter where they live,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Crisafulli Government has made it a priority to deliver clean drinking water for the communities of Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area, and Wujal Wujal.
“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.”
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.
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“For far too long, we’ve had to depend on outdated water supply infrastructure.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. Together, we’re delivering essential infrastructure that will truly improve the lives of the people in Doomadgee.”
Works so far include:
- Cherbourg: Construction underway for new town mains and Bert Button Reservoir. Water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Doomadgee: Construction underway for a new 2 megalitre treated water storage tank. Water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Northern Peninsula Area: More than 2.7 km of new and upgraded water mains installed. Bamaga water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Mornington Island: Detailed design finalised and water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Wujal Wujal:Construction underway to upgrade the water treatment plant.
The Government says construction for all projects is on track for completion by late this year, weather permitting.
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.
“By investing in critical infrastructure now, we’re ensuring the communities in Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, the Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal 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.
“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.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said everyone deserved access to clean and reliable water in communities across Queensland.
“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.”
