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First Nations water security
Location
Kunhanhaa/Mornington Island, Gulf of Carpentaria
Qld
Estimated cost
$6.0 million
Project status
in planning
Funding

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($3,000,000 million) and the Queensland Government ($3,000,000 million). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.

Dithery Creek Dam with dark blue water and bright blue dam equipment, including a water pump and pipes. There is a concrete dock in the foreground where the equipment sits. A blue cloudy sky and green vegetation is in the background on the horizon.

Water pump at Dithery Creek Dam, Mornington Island – Credit: Qld Water.

Project overview

The Mornington Island Water Supply project will support the Kunhanaamendaa, or people of Kunhanhaa. 

The quality of the island’s water supply can worsen during extreme weather and lead to boil water alerts. The water treatment plant upgrades will deliver better drinking water and health outcomes. The plant will treat water turbidity and contamination from bacteria and metals. 

The plant will include:

  • raw water intake, clarification and filtration
  • UV and chemical disinfection
  • a data-based monitoring and control system.  

Construction will begin in April 2025 for the plant to operate by late 2025. The Mornington Island Shire Council and the Queensland Government Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works will manage the project. 

This project supports the Australian Government’s commitment to Close the Gap on water security in First Nations communities.

Key project benefits

Climate change resilience
First Nations access
Local community
Water quality

Learn more