Program to improve Aboriginal community water services

Special industry forums have been held in Broome and Kununurra to help Kimberley-based Aboriginal businesses learn about contracting opportunities under the Aboriginal Community Water Services (ACWS) program.

Hosted by Water Corporation, the forums were designed to introduce attendees to the program, including its objectives, scope, and opportunities to tender for future work on major and minor projects.

Civil, mechanical, and electrical contractors were among 15 local firms and various trade services companies present at the two events.

The ACWS program is managed by Water Corporation. The Community Water Services program will improve the standard of water and wastewater services in 141 Aboriginal communities. The program was announced in mid-2023 as part of the state government’s initial $200 million commitment.

Over an initial 10 years, the program will ensure Aboriginal communities have access to reliable drinking water that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and wastewater services that meet or exceed relevant standards under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Water Corporation is working with community residents and relevant representative organisations to foster sustainable relationships grounded in mutual respect.

To date, engagement has commenced with 37 communities to understand their individual water service requirements and help scope future infrastructure projects.

In September 2023, Mowanjum, near Derby, became the first community to receive improved infrastructure under the Community Water Services program, following an $8.3 million Water Corporation project to enhance wastewater infrastructure.

In 2022-23, Water Corporation awarded 51 contracts to Aboriginal businesses, totalling nearly $92 million.

Water Corporation’s Aboriginal Communities Water Services fact file

Water Corporation’s Aboriginal Communities Water Services program manages water services in 141 Aboriginal communities across WA.
It will deliver water infrastructure upgrades over an initial 10 years to provide safer and more reliable water services.
As a State-owned water utility, Water Corporation has the expertise to ensure these Aboriginal communities receive water services that meet or exceed the relevant standard under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Previously, management of water services in these communities sat with the Department of Communities before the WA Government transferred responsibility to Water Corporation on 1 July 2023.
The 141 communities, of varying sizes, are located in:
- Kimberley (101 communities);
- Pilbara and Mid West (26 communities); and
- Goldfields and Central (14 communities).
Water Corporation manages the services with operational support delivered by existing local and Aboriginal-owned regional service providers, who maintain the water services and infrastructure.
Following comprehensive infrastructure condition assessments, improved monitoring and reporting are being implemented to better understand individual requirements and identify potential improvements.
Communities with critical water service concerns, such as operational safety, water quality and reliability, will be prioritised for upgrades.
Under the previous Essential and Municipal Services Upgrade Program, Mowanjum, Ardyaloon, Bayulu, Bidyadanga, Djarindjin, Lombadina and Beagle Bay, as well as several town-based communities, were identified as priority communities for water and wastewater upgrades.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

“This program will not only deliver important health and wellbeing outcomes for people living in these communities. It’s creating business opportunities for local Aboriginal businesses to benefit the whole region.

“These forums were a chance to introduce businesses to the program to maximise involvement among local contractors and subcontractors, consistent with the WA Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy.

“The Aboriginal Community Water Services program is a long-term commitment by the State Government to improve the standard of water services in these 141 communities. Water Corporation will work with residents at every stage to ensure the community defines service improvements and socio-economic outcomes.”

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:

“This is a fantastic initiative that will significantly improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley.

“Clean and reliable drinking water and wastewater services that meet the relevant standards are imperative to Closing the Gap and providing Aboriginal people with a strong foundation for the future.”

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:

“It’s great to see this vital program creating opportunities for our Aboriginal businesses here in the Kimberley.

“With so many important projects occurring throughout the region, these community forms provide a terrific opportunity to learn more about the work available now and in the future.”

For further information on ACWS, visit watercorporation.com.au/ACWS