Ten communities to benefit from Water and Sewerage program

6 October, 2009

Thousands of Aboriginal people in the North West Region of the State would benefit from the $200 million joint State Government/New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council Water and Sewerage Program, NSWALC's North West Region representative, Councillor Steve Gordon, said today.

"It was a courageous decision by the current elected Councillors to fund half of this program," Councillor Gordon added.

"But in the end the decision was easy to make - we made it because it will have such a major impact on the health and well-being of our people".

Councillor Gordon said he was pleased to announce that his Region had been particularly successful in having communities included in the 25-year long program.

"Ten communities in my Region will have improved water and sewerage under this program," Councillor Gordon said. "These 10 are part of the total of 60 communities who will ultimately benefit".

The 10 communities are Barwon 4, Brewarrina West (Dodge City), Collarenebri Reserve, Gingie Reserve, Goodooga Reserve, Mehi Crescent, Namoi Reserve, Stanley Village, Toomelah and Weilmoringle/Wytalbar.

"Toomelah was one of the first communities in the State to benefit under this unique program.  This was because of the potential sewage spill that could have occurred if urgent  and immediate repairs had not occurred.".

Councillor Gordon said decisions on which communities would get upgraded water and sewerage systems in the current financial year were very close.

"We are expecting this decision very soon," Councillor Gordon said.

"Although the program is in its infancy, 13 communities across the State are already receiving improved water and sewerage systems.

"This is a program that will save lives".