SENATOR MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY
MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
SENATOR FOR NORTHERN TERRITORY

SENATOR MARIELLE SMITH
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

PERMANENT WATER SECURITY MEASURES FOR SCOTDESCO

The Australian Government is delivering on its election commitment to address
longstanding water security issues faced by the remote community of Scotdesco on the far west coast of South Australia.

In a move towards sustainable development for First Nation’s communities, the
government will implement permanent water security measures for Scotdesco,
providing safe and reliable drinking water to residents. Residents currently rely on
rainwater collected in the town’s catchment dam.

The Scotdesco Water Security Project will receive $650,000 from the Commonwealth’s
Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) for the provision of additional water security
measures, including large water storage tanks and other infrastructure.
The additional measures will build on an investment of $500,000 for an initial scope of
works to identify and deliver a solution to the Scotdesco community’s water security
issues.

These measures, developed in consultation with the Scotdesco community, will ensure
a lasting solution to water reserves running dry and unreliable access to water supply.
This Scotdesco Water Security Project is part of the government's strategy to invest in
essential services and infrastructure for Aboriginal communities and contribute to
Closing the Gap in life outcomes for First Nations people.

The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring that remote communities
like Scotdesco receive the resources they need to thrive.

The initial scope of works is nearing completion and the additional measures will be
completed by June 2025.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:

"Every Australian deserves the certainty of continual access to clean and safe water, yet
for some remote communities this basic life essential is out of reach.
“These new measures for Scotdesco will ensure the community's water needs will
finally be met, providing a solid foundation for enhancing the quality of life and health
outcomes for residents.
"Thanks to the installation of new water infrastructure, the Scotdesco community can
look forward to a future where access to clean water is no longer a luxury but an
everyday reality.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Senator Marielle Smith:

After years of advocacy on behalf of the community of Scotdesco for a sustainable,
long-term water infrastructure solution, I am deeply proud that our Government is
delivering this project.
The new infrastructure will provide a clean and reliable water supply to this
community, who have been calling for a solution for many years. We have listened,
and I am proud to have fought alongside the Scotdesco community to deliver this
commitment.

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2024