Regional Aboriginal communities will benefit from $200 million upgrades to reliable power and water services

Remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia will now have access to more reliable power and water sources after the State Government provided $200 million for upgrades. The power and water services for 141 remote Aboriginal communities will transfer from the Department of Communities over to the specialised Water Corporation and Horizon Power. Of these 141 communities that will benefit, eight are located within the Mid West and Gascoyne area. These include the communities Barrel Well, Burringurrah, Karalundi, Wandanooka, Kutkabubba, Pia Wadjari, Windidda and Yulga Jinna. The transfer began on April 1 and it will help about 12,000 residents across WA gain access to better and more reliable services that will aid to improve quality of life and welfare. The funding was provided by the McGowan Government’s $350 million Remote Communities Fund which will support upgrades and improve infrastructure for the communities. Housing Minister John Carey said these were crucial resources that Water Corporation and Horizon Power were better equipped to provide. “Reliable essential services are important for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities and are the foundation for healthy and sustainable communities,” he said. “Now no matter where you live in Western Australia, it’s clear which utilities are responsible for managing power and water services.” Water Minister Simone McGurk said the upgrades would have benefits beyond reliability of services. “This will improve health, amenity and economic outcomes for residents, which we know are fundamental to address the inequalities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people,” she said.