In December 2008, the NSW Government and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) entered into an agreement to deliver a program to maintain and monitor water and sewerage systems in eligible discrete communities.
NSWALC agreed to pay half of the service costs for this program with the NSW Government contributing the other half as well as the program management and capital costs. This equates to joint funding of approximately $200 million over 25 years.
Aboriginal Affairs is the lead agency for this program, while the NSW Office of Water is responsible for managing and implementing the program. NSW. Health also plays a key role in monitoring health standards for water and sewerage systems in these communities.
The program ensures that infrastructure and maintenance agreements are in place to operate, maintain and monitor water and sewerage systems in eligible discrete Aboriginal communities. Water and sewerage management plans are also being prepared for each community. These plans will identify potential risks to the water supply and sewerage systems, leading to better management and fewer breakdowns.