The Northern Territory Government is set to invest $25.1 million over four years to deliver clean, reliable water to remote communities across the Territory.
The Territory Government said that this funding will help unlock a further $100.4 million from the Federal Government’s National Water Grid Fund (NWGF), supporting critical upgrades to water systems in high-need areas.
Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington, said secure water is essential to economic growth and community wellbeing.
“In many remote communities, water stress is a real barrier to new housing and infrastructure,” he said.
“We’re working closely with the NWGF to replace ageing infrastructure, drill new bores and support future growth.”
The re-development of the Numbulwar’s water supply system will be the next project submitted to the NWGF.
A new, higher-quality water source has already been located through bore drilling under a successful Phase 1 submission, with Phase 2 focused on supporting a proposed new subdivision.
“Improving water supply directly addresses issues like overcrowding, poor health and social disadvantage in remote communities,” Mr Edgington said.
“This is a practical step in our year of action, certainty and security.”
Northern Territory Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan, said the Territory Government’s investment would help leverage further funding and accelerate development.
“Numbulwar has been facing long-term water challenges, including poor quality drinking water,” Mr Yan said
“Securing water is critical to building new homes and supporting regional growth.”
At the time of writing, two joint Northern Territory–Federal Government funding proposals are currently before the NWGF:
- $17.85 million to upgrade the water supply at Galiwinku
- $14.98 million for new water infrastructure at Gunyangara (Phase 2) west of Nhulunbuy
The Northern Territory Government is contributing $5.6 million and the Federal Government $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.
