In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Steve Martin (Project Manager, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council) sits down with the Australian Water Association to discuss the challenges and progress of delivering sustainable water and sewer services for Indigenous communities. 

Palm Island—the largest Aboriginal community in Queensland—is a unique and self-reliant community where the council not only manages essential services but also undertakes a variety of infrastructure projects to support local needs. 

The conversation delves into the realities of maintaining water infrastructure in remote areas, the impact of historical decisions on current water supply issues, and the complexities of funding for Indigenous councils. Steve highlights the need for a shift towards guaranteed, long-term funding that would enable proper planning and robust construction standards tailored to the needs of remote communities. From managing ageing asbestos cement water mains to navigating the constraints of competitive grants, this episode provides insight into the crucial work being done to improve water resilience and sustainability on Palm Island and other Indigenous communities across Queensland.