- Construction starting or underway on five significant Indigenous communities water security projects in Queensland, including at Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal.
- Works will deliver vital upgrades to town water supply infrastructure.
- Project construction activities expected to be complete by late 2026.
Critical work has begun to deliver water security projects for the Indigenous communities of Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal in Queensland.
Jointly funded by the Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Crisafulli Government, the projects will ensure all five communities have access to safe, clean and secure drinking water supply into the future.
Construction activities are currently underway for Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal projects, and expected to begin at Mornington Island in the months ahead.
Works so far include:
- Cherbourg: Construction underway for new town mains and Bert Button Reservoir. Water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Doomadgee: Construction underway for a new 2 megalitre treated water storage tank. Water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Northern Peninsula Area: More than 2.7 km of new and upgraded water mains installed. Bamaga water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Mornington Island: Detailed design finalised and water treatment plant upgrades to begin in coming months.
- Wujal Wujal: Construction underway to upgrade the water treatment plant.
Project partners are continuing to work closely with councils and water operators to engage with communities throughout construction.
Construction for all projects is on track for completion by late this year, weather permitting.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the partnership between all levels of government demonstrated the shared commitment to improving essential services.
“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,” Minister Watt said.
“Delivering these projects marks a significant step forward in strengthening water security for First Nations communities in Queensland.
“This partnership between all levels of government demonstrates our shared commitment to improving essential services and supporting the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities.”
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a plan for Queensland’s future.
“Access to clean, reliable drinking water should be available to every Queenslander, no matter where they live,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Crisafulli Government has made it a priority to deliver clean drinking water for the communities of Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area, and Wujal Wujal.
“Delivering new and upgraded infrastructure in Queensland’s remote and disaster-prone areas can be challenging, which is why strong progress on these critical water security projects is so important.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said everyone deserves access to clean and reliable water.
“This investment is about empowering more First Nations communities to thrive on their own terms,” Minister McCarthy said.
“By working closely with the communities of Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal as well as the Queensland Government, local councils and water operators, we’re delivering critical infrastructure that strengthens long-term water security.
“These projects are vital for Closing the Gap, ensuring families have reliable access to safe water, helping to deliver better health outcomes and building stronger, more resilient First Nations communities.”
Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water across the State.
“These projects are delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water to families in Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, the Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal,” Minister Simpson said.
“The Crisafulli Government is working closely with local councils and community leaders to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“By investing in the right water infrastructure today, we are helping build more resilient communities and supporting better living conditions for generations to come.”
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Frederick O’Keefe said it was fantastic to see progress achieve on the upgrades.
“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,” Mayor O’Keefe said.
“It's fantastic to see the progress already achieved on these upgrades. Together, we're delivering essential infrastructure that will truly improve the lives of the people in Doomadgee.”