Water and Sewerage Program a major success

Monday, February 1st , 2014

One of the most ambitious and successful Water and Sewerage Programs backed by the nation's largest Aboriginal organisation is now supporting more than 60 Indigenous communities.

The NSW Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program is a joint initiative of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the NSW Government that seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people across the state by improving and maintaining their water and sewerage services.

Since its inception in 2008 significant gains have been made including;

-       Water quality in all communities having been improved to non-Aboriginal standards

-       A total of 41 communities are receiving operation, maintenance and monitoring services by qualified personnel

-       Management plans have been developed for 58 communities and drinking water quality is regularly monitored in all these communities

The NSWALC Chairman, Craig Cromelin, says a high standard of water quality and service delivery is integral to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

"Clean water and sewerage services are taken for granted by many Australians, whereas many of our communities don't have access to that same quality of life."

"Before the start of the program many communities experienced poor levels of drinking water and sewerage services, increasing the risk of diarrhoeal disease and respiratory disease. "

Media contact: Josh Ridgeway, 0400 709 226