Closing the Gap: $150 million towards First Nations water security

The Australian Government is Closing the Gap on access to safe and reliable water for First Nations communities by committing $150 million to deliver crucial water security projects in regional and remote First Nations communities.

The targeted funding will be delivered across four years through the National Water Grid Fund (NWGF) to support First Nations water infrastructure and provide safe and reliable water for remote and regional Indigenous communities.

Closing the Gap

This announcement comes as part of the Australian Government’s release of the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, and is a clear, concrete commitment towards improving life outcomes for First Nations peoples.

Specifically, this investment will deliver on progress towards Closing the Gap Outcome 9b by improving essential town water supplies to support liveability in First Nations communities.

More broadly, investing in water infrastructure that provides safe, secure and reliable water has significant health, wellbeing and economic outcomes for First Nations people also contributing to Closing the Gap outcomes 1 and 8.

Read the joint ministerial media statement: Next step towards Closing the Gap – 13 February 2023

Projects

Proposals for funding through the National Water Grid Fund must be brought forward by state and territory governments and are considered on merit against the eligibility criteria and principles for investment outlined in the National Water Grid Investment Framework.

As part of project development, the Australian Government requires engagement with impacted First Nations communities so that their views, aspirations and priorities for their own communities are known.

Learn more here: First Nations Support