A Central Queensland community which has not had access to drinkable water for more than seven months will see $18 million spent upgrading its water infrastructure.
Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said Woorabinda had been on boiled water alerts since December last year.
Minister Simpson said $18 million in State funding had been committed for critical water infrastructure upgrades in the Aboriginal community 170km south-west of Rockhampton, and was urging the Federal Government to match the funding to restore the supply of clean drinking water to the more than 1000 people who live there.
“Woorabinda has been on boiled water alerts since December 2024,” she said.
“With three of the community’s four water bores not operational, residents are only able to access low quality water piped directly from Baralaba.”
Minister Simpson said the funding commitment for Woorabinda was part of a plan to improve crucial water supply in all communities, with a $108 million Closing the Gap Priorities Fund also providing $8 million each for Kowanyama and Aurukun.
She said Minister Woorabinda’s water was not safe to drink and was a risk to public health.
“I have seen first-hand the toll it is taking on the Woorabinda community.
“Clearly Woorabinda’s water infrastructure needed significant investment and upgrades.
“We need the Federal Government to match our funding to ensure the job is done properly.”
