Three remote Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley region will receive upgraded water services through a new initiative between the WA Department of Communities and the Water Corporation.
Consistent with the recently announced ‘Our Priorities’, the WA Government has funded the $23 million initiative through the Essential and Municipal Services Upgrade Program.
The initiative – which will see the Water Corporation become the licensed water service provider for the communities of Mowanjum, Bayulu and Bidyadanga – is consistent with the ‘Leaving no one behind’ theme of today’s (March 22 2019) World Water Day.
The Water Corporation will upgrade water and wastewater facilities in each community and supply ongoing water services in the first community, Mowanjum, by mid-2020. Bayulu and Bidyadanga will follow.
Community residents will have reliable drinking water that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and wastewater services that meet industry standards. The work will also create a range of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses.
An initial 10 communities will participate in the program, and funding for improvements will be sequenced over time to progressively bring essential services to remote Aboriginal communities up to minimum standards.
Source: WA Government