The Federal and Northern Territory governments have announced new investment in water security projects.

The governments say they want to improve drinking water quality and support economic development in remote communities across the Northern Territory. 

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and Northern Territory Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Kate Worden have announced an $8 million investment to be allocated to the Community Infrastructure Assessment project, which aims to evaluate water services in 55 remote communities. 

This project is designed to deliver a comprehensive engineering analysis of essential water services, propose viable solutions to secure water supplies, and identify opportunities for community growth and development.

The Federal Government is also investing an additional $2.3 million to develop a detailed business case for the expansion of the Ord Irrigation Expansion project. 

This study will explore the potential for extending the Ord River Irrigation Scheme into the Northern Territory's Weber Plains precinct, assessing the scheme's economic returns and potential for agricultural and regional development.

Minister Plibersek said it is a shocking reality that “tens of thousands of people in remote communities still don’t have access to healthy drinking water”. 

She said the Commonwealth will work with the NT Government and remote communities to plan and deliver water security projects. 

“This announcement builds on the more than $50 million we’re investing in water projects in NT communities like Milingimbi, Yuendemu, Maningrida and Yirrkala,” Plibersek said.

Minister Worden echoed these sentiments, emphasising the critical importance of reliable and clean drinking water for health and development in the Northern Territory. 

“The 55 remote communities that will benefit from this investment will see significant improvements in water supply, aiding in our efforts to Close the Gap for indigenous communities,” Worden said.

By ensuring reliable water supplies, the proponents say these investments will unlock development potential, improve health outcomes, and support sustainable economic activities without compromising environmental and cultural values.