$3.5 million for West Cape communities to build new water infrastructure

The first funding from a $120 million Palaszczuk Government program to improve the health and safety of indigenous communities is flowing to the Western Cape councils of Aurukun and Pormpuraaw.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the councils had received initial payments for projects worth more than $3.5 million from the Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program.

“This program enables the Aurukun council to upgrade its solid waste facility and Pormpuraaw to improve its water quality and wastewater management,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The end result is safer communities with healthier drinking water and up to date facilities to effectively handle solid waste.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said: “This funding is fantastic news for the Aurukun and Pormpuraaw communities.

“It will deliver these communities infrastructure to suit their specific needs and the training to support the infrastructure over the long-term. The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver for the Cape, and this is another great example of our commitment to the region.”

The Aurukun Shire Council will receive a more than $1.8 million to refurbish its solid waste facility.

Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council will receive more than $680,000 to investigate and repair water infrastructure, plus more than $1 million for wastewater irrigation and pump station upgrades.

Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Dereck Walpo said the project is tailored to meet the needs of the community.

“Our solid waste facility is in need of refurbishment and this funding program will make a real difference to the community's health and wellbeing,” he said.

The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to strengthen indigenous communities has been backed by $120 million over four years in the 2017-18 State Budget to improve water, waste water and solid waste infrastructure.

The Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program delivers repairs and upgrades to critical water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure for 16 Indigenous councils.

For more information visit: https://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/iccip

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548