DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

Investment will benefit thousands says NSWALC  representative                          

21 October, 2009

The Summervale Aboriginal community at Walcha was the first community in the Northern Region of NSW  to benefit from the $200 million dollar joint New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council/State Government water and sewerage program.

"But ultimately thousands of Aboriginal people in at least 60 discreet communities will

be the beneficiaries," said NSWALC's Deputy Chair and Northern Region representative, Councillor Tom Briggs.

"Despite the seriousness of the economic downturn and the drop in the value of NSWALC's investments, the Council made a courageous decision to use $100 million of its own funds to help create this initiative," Councillor Briggs said.

"Already l3 communities have gained improved water and sewerage facilities - of which Summervale is one," Councillor Briggs added.

"Fundamentally, the scheme is designed to ensure that finally these 60 communities enjoy the same level of water and sewerage facilities as the rest of the community.

"Obviously the health implications are considerable.

"I know as the scheme progresses, our people will truly appreciate the considerable gains that have been made.

"The scheme has a 25 year life span - and this financial year three more communities will receive upgrades to their water and sewerage systems.

"And by Christmas, all of the 60 communities will have been visited and their needs assessed".