Closing the Gap: 6 First Nations construction projects confirmed

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27 July 2023

Reduced water loss, future-proofed supply, improved access and greater reliability are all benefits set to flow in Yuendumu and Milingimbi.

$17.5 million in Australian Government funding has been confirmed towards 6 critical First Nations construction projects for water security in the Northern Territory.

These projects mark the first round of construction within the National Water Grid’s $150 million First Nations water infrastructure commitment.

  • Yuendumu Water Security and Supply Strategy – $11.1 million towards the $15.3 million project

    3 construction projects to future-proof water supply by reducing water loss in the Central Desert community through new and upgraded infrastructure.
  • Milingimbi Water Security Strategy – $6.4 million towards the $11.3 million project

    3 construction projects to improve access and reliability of water supply in the East Arnhem Land community through new and upgraded water infrastructure.

Construction is expected to commence in the 2023 Northern Territory dry season. The projects will be delivered closely with the Aboriginal communities to ensure their views, aspirations and priorities for their own communities are known and included.

The Yuendumu Water Security and Supply Strategy and Milingimbi Water Security Strategy are jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Northern Territory Government.

Closing the Gap

The Australian Government is committed to Closing the Gap on water security.

These projects deliver on progress towards Closing the Gap Outcome 9b, as detailed in the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, by improving essential town water supplies which:

  • support liveability and wellbeing
  • unlock opportunity for new housing
  • boost community and economic development opportunities.

The Australian Government continues to work with state and territory governments and key stakeholders to identify priority projects in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. 

The project is expected to produce significant water savings by preventing leakage and providing increased transfer capacity. Image credit: Power and Water Corporation.
The project is expected to produce significant water savings by preventing leakage and providing increased transfer capacity. Image credit: Power and Water Corporation.

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