Six new water projects co-funded by National Water Grid Authority
On Thursday 14 March the National Water Grid Authority announced that it has co-funded 6 new projects in the Northern Territory worth over $58 million with the Northern Territory Government and partners.
On Thursday 14 March, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for Environment and Water along with the Hon Kate Worden, Northern Territory Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security announced that National Water Grid Authority (NWGA), the Northern Territory (NT) Government and partners are co-funding 6 new water security projects in the NT worth over $58 million.
The NWGA is investing $34.69 million, and the NT Government and partners are co-investing $23.73 million.
Water supply infrastructure for remote Aboriginal communities and towns
Out of the 6 projects, 4 infrastructure projects are being delivered in partnership with the Power and Water Corporation and delivery partners and aim to improve water security for regional and remote communities. Water is an essential for unlocking housing and new development in communities.
Three projects will improve water security and supply for First Nations communities at Maningrida, Numbulwar and Gove Peninsula (Yirrkala and Gunyangara). These projects are a part of the Australian Government’s $150 million investment to ensure First Nations communities across Australia have access to clean water, and to help Close the Gap in essential services and water infrastructure.
There is also $13.2 million NWGA support allocated for upgrading the water supply network at Yulara in Central Australia. Over the next 5 years, the investment will help increase the capacity, long-term security and sustainability of the water supply. With Power and Water and resort owners Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, this project will enable expansion of tourism operations in Central Australia. Read more on the National Water Grid website.
Water modelling projects to improve our knowledge of water resources
In addition, two Science Program projects will improve modelling of water resources in the NT and enable the Water Resources Division within the department to build on its long-standing program of water research to support natural resource management.
The ‘Recalibration of models in high demand water systems’ and ‘Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys and digital elevation model (DEM) development for key NT rivers’ projects which will provide new scientific information to upgrade the NT’s hydrogeological knowledge of aquifers. This will support ongoing efforts to deliver water security for communities across the NT. The projects will make a valuable contribution to managing water resources sustainably and for the benefit of all Territorians.
Read more about these projects on the National Water Grid website.
All of these projects support water security initiatives under the Territory Water Plan. Under the plan, the NT Government is committed to improving water security for all Territorians, now and into the future. The plan prioritises water security and access to safe and secure drinking water, particularly in remote communities. In addition, it also accelerates the NT’s water science research and information. To read more on the plan, please visit the Water Security website.
