Doomadgee water project reaches major construction milestone

Joseph Guenzler Published October 2, 2026 at 12.00pm (AWST)

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The project has so far supported 11 local Indigenous jobs and more than $746,000 has been invested through local Indigenous businesses. (Image: PC Water Infrastructure)

Construction has started on a new water treatment plant in Doomadgee as part of a project aimed at securing safe and reliable drinking water for the community.

The Doomadgee water security project has so far supported 11 local Indigenous jobs and more than $746,000 has been invested through local Indigenous businesses.

Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Frederick O'Keefe, said the project would help provide reliable drinking water for the community into the future.

"It's exciting to see major construction underway and our local people benefiting through employment and upskilling opportunities as the project progresses," Mr O'Keefe said.

"Council welcomes the strong partnership with the Australian and Queensland governments, which is helping deliver critical infrastructure that will benefit Doomadgee for many years to come."

*Doomadgee workers who assisted with building the new water tank. (Image: PC Water Infrastructure)*

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Queensland Government.

Work began in late 2025, with a new two-megalitre treated water storage tank and associated pipework now installed and commissioned.

Around 280 hours of in-community job training is also being provided through project partners as part of the works.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2027, weather permitting.

Federal Water Minister, Murray Watt, said construction of the treatment plant was an important stage of the project.

"We've seen work progress on site and it's great to see this project now reaching construction phase on the water treatment plant. This is a major step forward for delivering long term water security for the Doomadgee community," Mr Watt said.

"The Albanese Government is pleased to be investing in this important project."

*Water tank land clearing. (Image: PC Water Infrastructure)*

Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann Leahy, said the project was also creating employment and training opportunities for local Indigenous people.

"Doomadgee deserves a safe, clean and reliable water supply, and the Crisafulli Government is getting on with delivering the infrastructure needed to secure the community's water future," Ms Leahy said.

"Construction of the new water treatment plant is a major milestone, with the project already creating local Indigenous jobs, providing training and investing more than $746,000 through local Indigenous businesses."