Better Bores project pledges $34m to improve water security in 10 Territory communities
Ten remote communities will receive vital infrastructure upgrades, promising to improve liveability, promote economic opportunities, and support sustainable growth. Find out where.
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More than $34m will be invested to improve water security in 10 remote communities across the Northern Territory.
The Better Bores for Communities program aims to improve water supply and quality, and support growth and development by providing greater certainty of water availability in seven communities, and expanding water supply in three others.
The federal government will spend $27.8m through its National Water Grid Fund, and the Northern Territory Government will contribute an additional $6.5m.
The program will conduct water source investigations and bore drilling in the communities of Robinson River, Warruwi, Yuelamu, Titjikala, Finke, Atitjere and Gapuwiyak.
It will also install equipment to connect new water sources in the Wugularr, Haasts Bluff and Ntaria (Hermannsburg) communities.
Power and Water Corporation will lead the works with water source exploration to begin in early 2025.
All works are expected to be completed by 2027.
“Every Australian should be able to drink water from the tap, no matter where they live,” federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said.
“That’s why we’re investing in projects to deliver critical water infrastructure projects in First Nations remote communities, ensuring they can remain living on country.”
NT Water Resources Minister Josh Burgoyne said the Better Bores project was about more than just water supply.
“It’s about improving liveability, promoting economic opportunities, and supporting sustainable growth in these communities,” Mr Burgoyne said
“Reliable water access is fundamental to reducing overcrowding, improving health outcomes, and driving positive social change.”
He said the government was working closely with the Central Land Council, Northern Land Council, and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority to ensure the projects had the support of local communities.
Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour welcomed the investment in her electorate.
“Water from bores is a vital resource, especially in remote Australia where quality water supplies are often difficult to access, and rainfall may be irregular,” she said.
“Well functioning bores are a viable alternative for delivering safe and reliable water, while also lowering environmental impacts and enhancing community self-sufficiency and resilience.”
NT Housing Minister Steve Edgington said water stress remained a significant challenge in many remote communities, limiting the ability to grow housing stock and other key infrastructure.
“Many aquifers supplying community water have limited capacity and may be at risk of failure during extended dry periods, or in some instances, due to naturally occurring minerals in the water supply,” Mr Edgington said.
“Water availability is often the main obstacle to new housing and community infrastructure development, and contributes to broader issues such as overcrowding, poor health outcomes and exacerbates other social problems remote communities are facing.
“Without expansion of water source capacity in many communities, new houses cannot be built.”
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Originally published as Better Bores project pledges $34m to improve water security in 10 Territory communities
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