Territory Government commit $25.1 million to deliver clean water to remote NT communities

The Government funding will aim to deliver clean and reliable water to remote communities over four years. See for details.

Minister Steve Edgington said the CLP Government is working closely with the National Water Grid Fund to replace ageing water infrastructure in remote communities. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A $25.1 million investment has been locked in to help deliver safe and reliable water for remote residents across the Northern Territory.

The CLP Government said the four-year investment should also help unlock a further $100.4 million from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund (NWGF).

The funding will be used to deliver and support critical upgrades to water systems in high-need areas such as Numbulwar which will be the next project to be submitted to the NWGF.

The community’s water supply system is aged and in need of redevelopment.

As a result, the minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan, said Numbulwar has been facing long-term challenges including poor quality drinking water.

Minister Bill Yan said the NT remote community had been experiencing poor quality drinking water. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Securing water is critical to building new homes and supporting regional growth,” Mr Yan said.

A new, higher-quality water source has already been located through bore drilling under a successful Phase 1 while Phase 2 will focus on supporting a proposed new subdivision.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington, said having access to secure and clean water is essential for communities to properly flourish.

‘Water stress is a real barrier in remote communities,’ said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington. Picture: Luis Tosa

“In many remote communities, water stress is a real barrier to new housing and infrastructure,” he said.

“Improving water supply directly addresses issues like overcrowding, poor health and social disadvantage in remote communities.

“We’re working closely with the NWGF to replace ageing infrastructure, drill new bores and support future growth.”

Two joint NT-Australian Government funding proposals for new water infrastructure at Galiwinku ($17.85 million) and Gunyangara ($14.98 million) are currently before the NWGF.

The NT Government is contributing $5.6 million and the Commonwealth $26.5 million with Gumatj Corporation contributing $1 million for the Gunyangara project.

To date, the Territory has secured $102 million for seven water projects across communities, including Yuendumu, Milingimbi, Numbulwar, Maningrida, Yirrkala and Gunyangara.