The first licensed wastewater treatment plant in an Aboriginal community has been launched in Western Australia.

Mowanjum, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, has proudly unveiled the new facility. 

The achievement follows extensive upgrade efforts carried out under the Water Corporation's pioneering Aboriginal Communities Water Services (ACWS) program.

In collaboration with Aboriginal communities, the ACWS program was conceived to address decades of community input, amplify opportunities, and guarantee access to dependable drinking water and wastewater services that adhere to or surpass the standards set by the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Mowanjum, situated on Nyikina-Mangala land just 10 kilometres from Derby, is a dynamic Aboriginal community with a population ranging from 300 to 500 individuals. 

The community experiences frequent comings and goings as people visit family and engage in cultural activities. 

Notably, Mowanjum is home to approximately 80 properties, the renowned Mowanjum Art Centre, and the annual Mowanjum Festival. The community draws its cultural richness from three distinct language groups: the Worrorra, the Ngarinyin, and the Wunumbal.

Over the years, the community has undergone significant displacement, having been moved three times by the Australian government. 

Despite this, Mowanjum retains its cultural significance, particularly concerning the Wandjina, a revered cultural belief that underscores the connection of tribes to the community, the land, and the cyclical rejuvenation of natural resources.

An integral aspect of this project was the investment in a local regional Aboriginal business, Kimberley Civil and Drainage, which secured the $8.3 million contract for the upgrade work. 

This move bolstered the local economy while enhancing the plant's operational and environmental performance, enabling it to accommodate future population growth.

“The community is really happy with the upgrades, but they're also excited about becoming the first Aboriginal community with a licensed wastewater treatment plant,” said Water Corporation's ACWS program director, Anthony Bell.

Water Corporation's ongoing commitment to Aboriginal communities extends to training programs and employment opportunities. 

Aboriginal trainees from the region are actively involved in servicing the newly inaugurated plant, fostering a sense of pride and ownership within the community.

Looking ahead, Water Corporation says it plans to invest $2 million in minor works in Mowanjum, including upgrades to a wastewater pump station, pipe renewals, and an irrigation project aimed at creating green community spaces that promote positive health outcomes.