Repairs to the local water treatment plant in Woorabinda have restored safe drinking water, with long-term infrastructure planning now underway.
The completion of critical works to restore safe drinking water follow an 11-month boil water alert.
The works were delivered through a $36 million First Nations water security project jointly funded by the Federal Government, via the National Water Grid Fund, and the Queensland Government’s Closing the Gap Priorities Fund, in partnership with Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council.
The funding enabled urgent repairs to the existing water treatment plant, returning it to operational condition and restoring access to treated drinking water for the community.
Upgrades included the installation of new filter media, dosing pumps, online instrumentation and electrical improvements. These works allow council operators to better monitor water quality and adjust treatment processes in response to changes in raw water conditions, supporting the delivery of safe drinking water in the short term.
Planning and design work is now underway on fit-for-purpose, long-term improvements to Woorabinda’s water infrastructure, spanning supply through to distribution. Construction activities are expected to commence later this year.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said access to clean and reliable water was essential for community wellbeing.
“Everyone deserves access to clean and reliable water, regardless of where they live,” Watt said.
“Projects like this are a critical investment in health and quality of life for rural and remote communities.”
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the focus was now on securing Woorabinda’s water supply into the future.
“Being able to turn on the tap and trust the water is safe will make a real difference for families in Woorabinda,” McCarthy said.
“This shows what can be achieved when governments work closely with community, with immediate repairs completed and long-term solutions now being planned.”
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann Leahy, said restoring access to clean drinking water was a significant milestone for the community.
“These urgent repairs have restored safe drinking water in the short term, while planning is already underway for a long-term infrastructure solution,” Leahy said.
Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson, said the outcome would greatly improve quality of life for residents.
“No community should have to worry about whether their drinking water is safe,” Simpson said.
Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Terence Munns, said lifting the boil water alert was a major relief for the community.
“We will continue working with our government partners to secure a safe and reliable water supply into the future.”
