Support is available for those affected by the NSW floods. Resources and information can be found at the NSW Flood Assistance and Resources page.

Water and Sewerage Program

The NSW Government is supporting the capital upgrade and operation, maintenance and monitoring of the water and sewerage systems in eligible Aboriginal communities to improve services.

In December 2008 the NSW Government and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) agreed to a funding partnership for these essential services in eligible discrete Aboriginal communities – former missions and reserves.

Under the agreement, the NSWALC pays for 25% ($1.050) of the Operation and Maintenance costs and the NSW Government pays for 75% of these costs plus all program management and capital costs. This joint funding will total approximately $200 million over 25 years.

A total of $89.1 million has been spent from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2022 with a further $8.58 million forecast to be spent in 2022-23. 

While Aboriginal Affairs is the lead agency, the Department of Planning and Environment Water is responsible for managing the water and sewerage service delivery. NSW Health also plays an important role by monitoring health standards for water and sewerage systems in the communities involved.

The program ensures infrastructure and maintenance agreements are in place to operate, maintain and monitor the water and sewerage systems in eligible discrete Aboriginal communities.

Water and sewerage management plans are in place for each community and identify potential risks to the water supply and sewerage systems, leading to better management and fewer breakdowns. The water supply in eligible communities is tested in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. 

Eligible discrete Aboriginal communities involved in the program

The 61 Eligible discrete Aboriginal communities and 3 special purpose communities involved in the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program are:

1 Bellwood 32 Goodooga Reserve
2 Boona Road (Condobolin) 33 Mehi Crescent
3 Bowraville 34 Stanley Village
4 Browns Flats 35 Warrali Mission
5 Cabarita 36 Willow Bend
6 Coomaditchie 37 Barwon 4
7 Crescent Head (Loftus Rd) 38 Collarenebri Reserve (The Walli)
8 Green Hill 39 Cummeragunja
9 Gunnedah Hill 40 Murrin Bridge
10 La Perouse 41 Namatjira Avenue
11 Maclean 42 Nanima Reserve
12 Muli Muli 43 New Merinee
13 Narwon Village 44 Summervale
14 New Burnt Bridge 45 Walhallow Reserve
15 Orient Point 46 Wamba Wamba
16 Peak Hill 47 Enngonia Reserve (Clara Hart)
17 Pippi Beach (Nyguru Village) 48 Gulargambone Mission
18 Purfleet 49 Namoi Reserve
19 Three Ways 50 Mallee
20 Box Ridge Reserve 51 Quambone
21 Brewarrina West (Dodge City) 52 Wallaga Lake (Koori Village)
22 Brungle 53 Baryulgil Square
23 Corindi Beach 54 Bellbrook
24 Gulargambone Top 55 Gingie Reserve
25 Gundurimba 56 Jubullum Village
26 Kamarah 57 Malabugilmah
27 Wongala 58 Mirriwinni Gardens
28 Alice Edwards Village 59 Moonahcullah
29 Balranald Reserve (Endeavour Dr) 60 Toomelah
30 Cabbage Tree Island 61 Weilmoringle/Wytalbar
31 Erambie    

The 3 special purposes Communities are:

  • The Farm – Worimi
  • Gulargambone Mission
  • Pilliga

Background

In 2004, NSW Health established a working group to investigate infrastructure needs in discrete Aboriginal communities.

The 2007 report of the working group led to a full water and sewerage survey in each discrete Aboriginal community.

A business case for NSW was then established and funding sought, resulting in the current partnership between the NSW Government and NSWALC to deliver the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program.

Program Progress

Water and sewerage services have improved in eligible discrete communities since the introduction of the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program.

The Department of Planning and Environment monitors, repairs and maintains the water supply and sewerage systems. NSW Health conducts regular water collection and testing to ensure drinking water is safe and waste is being removed and disposed of properly.

The negotiation of long-term service agreements and management plans will ensure these higher service standards are maintained.

What does the program cover?

The program covers community infrastructure but not houses or housing infrastructure. Housing providers are responsible for maintaining their properties, including the plumbing systems for water and sewerage within the property’s boundary.

Program Funding

Learn more about the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program Learn more about the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program

Want to know more?

Phone: 1800 019 998
Emailenquiries@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au




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