Governments have committed $62 million to tackle critical water issues in remote communities.

The federal, Queensland, and local governments have announced an investment to improve water quality and security in 11 remote and Indigenous communities across Queensland. 

The infrastructure upgrades aim to address deteriorating drinking water systems that have long plagued these areas.

The funding comprises $31.3 million from the Australian Government, mainly through the National Water Grid Fund, including $29.3 million earmarked for First Nations communities. 

The Queensland Government will contribute nearly $29 million, while the Cloncurry and Diamantina councils will provide over $2 million.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasised the urgency, saying it was “unacceptable” that 600,000 Australians still lack access to clean water. 

Communities that will benefit include Wujal Wujal, Dajarra, Cherbourg, Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Bamaga, Seisia, New Mapoon, Umagico, Injinoo, and Birdsville. 

Key projects include nearly $26 million for Cherbourg’s water system, $10 million for the Northern Peninsula Area, and $6 million each for Wujal Wujal and Mornington Island. Doomadgee will receive $9 million, Birdsville $4 million, and Dajarra $1.937 million. 

Work on the projects in Birdsville and Dajarra is expected to begin imminently.

While the investment is a step forward, Alison Smith, CEO of the Local Government Association of Queensland, has warned that more will be needed to address broader issues like ageing infrastructure and workforce shortages.

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