Fitzroy Crossing community’s $1.7m water upgrades completed

A significant $1.7 million upgrade to water infrastructure in Fitzroy Crossing’s Junjuwa community has been completed.

Two new groundwater tanks were installed, old pipework and control systems replaced, and an elevated tank, stand structure and three ground storage tanks were removed as part of the project.

Housing Minister John Carey said the improvements aimed to ensure water was always available to the community’s 326 residents.

“The $1.7 million upgrades in Junjuwa will significantly improve the water infrastructure and importantly ensure we safeguard water supply for its residents long into the future,” he said.

“These upgrades will see the delivery of more reliable and safe services that improve health and wellbeing, as well as create job opportunities and help more people remain in community.”

It comes after issues with the community’s access to essential services were flagged in a report by the Officer of the Auditor General in 2015.

The Junjuwa upgrade is part of the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan announced in August 2021 that vowed to upgrade water supply to remote Aboriginal communities across the Dampier Peninsula.

Mr Carey said ensuring Aboriginal communities had access to reliable drinking water was a priority for the State Government.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said she was pleased to see the government’s commitment to these project.