More support for Outback communities

Remote Aboriginal communities are set to benefit from an extra $15million in State Government funding for essential services.

"The additional money for critical infrastructure will enable more secure water supplies, improvements in water quality and will ensure the safe supply of electricity and other essential services," Housing Minister Bill Marmion said.

Mr Marmion said the funding, announced in the State Budget, was in addition to $30million per annum provided by the State to maintain power, water and wastewater services through the Remote Area Essential Services Program.

"The Liberal National Government is committed to improving Aboriginal community and employment outcomes and fundamental to this is having access to quality services," he said.

The Minister said both the State and Commonwealth had a shared responsibility to address the backlog of infrastructure needs in remote communities.

"Ongoing funding from the Commonwealth is essential to address the significant challenges in achieving sustainable improvements in remote Aboriginal communities," Mr Marmion said.

"More efficient delivery of essential and municipal services needs a long-term commitment from both the State and Commonwealth Governments, in co-operation with local government."

There are more than 270 remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia supported by the State and Federal governments, most located in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

        Fact File

• Total State Government commitment to remote community essential services in the 2014-15 State Budget is $45million

• The Commonwealth was a significant player in the establishment of almost all of the 274 remote communities in WA

Minister's office - 6552 6800