Queensland Advances Water Security Projects in Five Indigenous Communities

Construction is progressing on a series of water security projects across five Indigenous communities in Queensland, aimed at improving long‑term access to safe and reliable drinking water. The initiatives cover Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, the Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal, and involve upgrades to water treatment facilities, storage infrastructure and town water mains. Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, the works are expected to be completed by late 2026, subject to weather conditions, according to a Queensland Government statement.

The projects are supported through the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund and delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government, local councils and water operators. The programme focuses on strengthening essential services in remote communities, where ageing infrastructure and environmental pressures can affect water reliability.

Infrastructure upgrades across five communities

Construction has begun or is already underway in most locations. The works include upgrades to treatment plants, the installation of new water mains and expanded storage capacity to ensure consistent supply.

• Cherbourg: Construction has begun on new town water mains and the Bert Button Reservoir, with upgrades to the water treatment plant scheduled to start in the coming months.
• Doomadgee: A new two‑megalitre treated water storage tank is under construction, alongside planned upgrades to the water treatment plant.
• Northern Peninsula Area: More than 2.7 kilometres of new and upgraded water mains have been installed, with improvements to the Bamaga water treatment plant to follow.
• Mornington Island: Detailed design work has been completed, and construction on water treatment plant upgrades is expected to begin soon.
• Wujal Wujal: Construction is underway to upgrade the community’s water treatment plant.

Project partners are also working with local councils and water operators to maintain community engagement during construction, ensuring that the infrastructure meets local needs and operational requirements.

Government partnership to strengthen essential services

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the collaboration between federal, state and local authorities reflects a shared focus on improving core infrastructure in remote communities.

“By investing in critical infrastructure now, we’re ensuring the communities in Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, the Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal will have access to safe, reliable drinking water well into the future,” — Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, Australian Government

He said the programme represents an important step in improving water security for First Nations communities across Queensland.

Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said delivering reliable drinking water infrastructure in remote and disaster‑prone areas can be complex, but remains a priority for the state government.

“Access to clean, reliable drinking water should be available to every Queenslander, no matter where they live,” — Ann Leahy, Minister for Local Government and Water, Queensland Government

Supporting health and long‑term community resilience

Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the investment supports the broader Closing the Gap agenda by improving access to essential services and strengthening living conditions in remote communities.

“Everyone deserves access to clean and reliable water. This investment is about empowering more First Nations communities to thrive on their own terms,” — Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians

Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson added that improved water infrastructure will help build stronger and more resilient communities over the long term.

The focus on foundational infrastructure aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen regional capability and resilience, similar to initiatives supporting infrastructure development for data‑driven innovation and programmes designed to boost regional economic capacity, including efforts where clean technology initiatives support regional jobs and sustainable growth.

Local leaders have welcomed the upgrades. Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Frederick O’Keefe said replacing ageing water infrastructure would have a direct impact on community wellbeing.

“For far too long, we’ve had to depend on outdated water supply infrastructure. I want to thank both the Australian and Queensland governments for acknowledging this challenge and stepping up to provide the support needed,” — Frederick O’Keefe, Mayor, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council

All five projects are currently progressing, with construction expected to conclude by late 2026, weather permitting.