Funding confirmed for Yulara in the Northern Territory

14 March 2024

The Australian Government has committed $13.2 million towards construction of the Yulara Water Supply Project in the Northern Territory.

The project will provide much needed water security to what is the primary service centre for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the wider Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara regions.

Yulara township in NT.
New water infrastructure for the township of Yulara will provide significant economic and social benefits for the surrounding region, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Image credit: Northern Territory Government.

With Yulara’s current water infrastructure reaching capacity, further development in the area has been limited. Once complete, the project will provide an additional 3 megalitres (ML) of water per day to the township and up to 1,095 ML per year. Construction includes:

  • a new bore
  • a new rising main
  • 2 untreated water tanks 
  • a new water treatment plant.

The project will support First Nations economic participation and the local tourism industry. The additional water will provide many benefits, including supporting:

  • up to 60 new residential houses in Yulara
  • tourism expansion
  • increased confidence for private investment in the region
  • employment and training opportunities for local First Nations people.

The project supports progress towards Closing the Gap Targets 6,7 and 8. Works commenced on site in January 2024.

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