$19m flows to Closing the Gap infrastructure projects

The Queensland Government has announced $19 million for three critical infrastructure projects to support measurable outcomes in health and education in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in the first tranche of its Closing the Gap Priorities Fund initiatives. 

The announcement comes as the Australian Productivity Commission’s Closing the Gap data from 2024 revealed 10 of 19 targets were not currently on track.   

The first funding allocation for the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund includes: 

• $8 million for Kowanyama water supply improvements;
• $8 million for Aurukun water supply improvements;
• $3 million for education facilities for the Buwu Program at Cherbourg State School. 

Premier, David Crisafulli said the Fund focused on practical outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders. 

“The Closing the Gap Priorities Fund delivers a pipeline of projects to achieve tangible improvements,” Premier Crisafulli said.  

“These are practical on-the-ground measures including schools, home ownership, health services and clean drinking water.   

“This is a fresh start, with a focus on practical measures to start closing the gap in Queensland.” 

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson said multiple critical infrastructure projects identified by local communities had been left unfunded by the previous Government. 

“We are committed to engaging with leaders of our discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help address their key needs,” Minister Simpson said. 

“These communities face multiple layers of disadvantages, including lower rates of home ownership, poor access to basic amenities and services, lower life expectancy and deteriorating infrastructure. 

“Labor’s focus on symbolism over substance failed our most vulnerable Queenslanders, with the latest Closing the Gap report showing more than half of the targets were not on track. 

“These three projects will help to significantly improve health and wellbeing outcomes, and I look forward to working closely with discrete communities to help deliver improvements for their communities in the years to come.” 

Kowanyama Mayor, Territa Dick said the Government’s funding to upgrade water infrastructure and the water treatment plant was critical to the community. 

“The new bore, water storage and treatment plant upgrades are essential to ensure we can access reliable clean, safe drinking water,” Mayor Dick said.  

“We will be able to increase our water reserves from one day to three to five days’ worth of water in the new storage facility. 

“This funding helps future-proof our water supply and is a huge step forward for the health and well-being of our community.”