A major upgrade to Yirrkala's water infrastructure is complete, improving the reliability of water services and supporting future housing and community development across the Gove Peninsula.

The $12 million first phase of the Gove Peninsula Water Supply Upgrade has seen Power and Water replace 5.6 km of ageing water pipeline and 197 service connections in Yirrkala.

The upgrades will help reduce water loss, improve the reliability of the community's water supply and provide additional capacity to meet future demand.

The project was jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Northern Territory Government.

Power and Water Acting Executive General Manager Water Services Kylie Collins said the upgrades were an important investment in the community's future.

‘Replacing more than 5 km of ageing pipelines in Yirrkala is a significant upgrade that will help reduce water loss and provide a more reliable water supply for the community for years to come,’ Ms Collins said.

An important part of the project was creating local employment and economic opportunities, with regional Aboriginal business enterprise Bukmak Constructions delivering the works and supporting approximately six local jobs.

‘Just as importantly, this project has supported local Aboriginal jobs, with local Aboriginal company Bukmak Constructions delivering the work on Country,’ Ms Collins said.

‘It's a great example of how investment in essential infrastructure also creates employment and opportunities within the communities we serve.’

The completion of Phase 1 also marks an important step towards further improvements to water infrastructure across the Gove Peninsula.

Planning and assessment work undertaken as part of the project has laid the groundwork for Phase 2, which is backed by a further $17.2 million joint investment from the Australian Government, Northern Territory Government and Gumatj Corporation.

Media contact: 0401 117 599 / media@powerwater.com.au