New treatment plant providing quality water to Palm Island community

Palm Island residents will benefit from completion of a new $1.4 million water treatment plant this week, which will supply reliable, quality water to the community.

Visiting Palm Island today, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner said the water treatment plant would improve health and living conditions for the community now and into the future.

“The Palaszczuk Government invested close to $1.3 million towards this project, which has given certainty to the community and created jobs for locals on the island,” Mr Furner said.

“Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council delivered this project to replace existing, ageing infrastructure with a specifically designed plant to cater for future growth on Palm.

“Importantly, Council trained and employed locals to work on the project, giving community members new skills and opportunities.

“It’s fantastic to see the results of the highly successful program revitalising areas like Palm Island and creating jobs where they are needed the most.”

Mayor of Palm Island Alf Lacey said improved water supply and quality has been an important issue to be addressed for the people of Palm Island.

“There has been very positive feedback from the community on this project,” Cr Lacey said

“We’re delighted to have delivered this important project for the Palm Island community.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart commended council on their work with water and wastewater management company, Aeramix Pty Ltd, to deliver the new plant.

“During construction the water project supported jobs, using local firms, and we are working with Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to ensure workers have the skills to support the long term operation of the plant,” Mr Stewart said.

“The Queensland Government also provided funds of almost $6 million to deliver a new wastewater treatment plant on the island, with construction set to be finished later this year.

“As a government, we are committed to delivering infrastructure that will provide communities with manageable, low-maintenance and long-lasting solutions for the treatment of water and wastewater.”

Funding for the water treatment plant was provided through the State Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

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