The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($3,750,000) and the Western Australian Government ($3,750,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
Mini plant system installed at a First Nations community in Western Australia in November 2022. Credit: WA Water Corporation.
Project overview
The Improving Water Security in First Nations Communities – Treatment, Storage and Pumping Mini Plant Program – Phase 1 project will deliver self-contained treatment, storage and pumping plants to 15 remote First Nations communities in the Kimberley region. These communities have serious issues with water access including:
- unsafe and non-compliant, rusty storage tanks
- frequent water outages or low-pressure issues due to old or poorly designed infrastructure
- no disinfection treatment systems, resulting in non-compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The new infrastructure will increase water quality and reliability by:
- disinfecting and treating water
- storing water safely
- pumping water for reliable community distribution.
The project scope for each community includes:
- construction of a mini plant compound (for example, fencing)
- installation of the mini plant, with remote monitoring capabilities
- independent solar power supplies where required.
This project is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to Close the Gap on water security for First Nations communities.
Key project benefits
Learn more
- Learn more about arrangements for First Nations projects.
- Read about the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap.