The Queensland Government will provide the Cape York communities of Kowanyama and Mapoon with funding to upgrade water, wastewater and solid waste facilities.
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, said the projects are being funded through the $120 million Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program (ICCIP).
“The communities at Kowanyama and Mapoon now join nine other local Councils in receiving their first instalments to get these important works underway,” Ms Lui said.
“Kowanyama will use initial funding of $2.16 million to undertake upgrade works of its water, wastewater and solid waste facilities.
“This is a great win for the local community and I’m proud to have worked with Council to bring this project to fruition.
“Mapoon is receiving almost $1.95 million to begin works on improving its water and solid waste facilities – another great result for a community which has been crying out for these improvements.”
Minister for Local Government, Stirling Hinchliffe, said the funding helps to deliver fit-for-purpose infrastructure specifically tailored to the needs of each community and location.
“ICCIP is starting to deliver great results for Indigenous communities throughout Queensland, in terms of infrastructure and economic development,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“One of the biggest benefits this program delivers is providing education and training opportunities in Indigenous communities.
“It also enables Councils to manage assets effectively, contributing to water security and long-term environmental and public health outcomes.”
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Mayor, Aileen Addo, welcomed the initial funding.
“The Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program will make a real difference to our community, not only in terms of health but also by increasing the overall liveability of Mapoon,” Mayor Addo said.
“This initial funding will see almost $1.7 million allocated to improving our drinking water with a new reservoir, an additional bore as well as new pumps and upgrades to our water treatment systems.”
Along with Kowanyama and Mapoon, Aurukun Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Torres Strait Island Regional Council also received further funding.
Eleven councils have now received initial ICCIP payments and shortly all 16 of Queensland’s Indigenous councils will have received their initial funding allocation.
In the 2017-18 State Budget, the Queensland Government announced funding of $120 million over four years for the ICCIP. The ICCIP delivers repairs and upgrades to critical water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure for 16 Indigenous councils.
