The Queensland Government is delivering $19 million for three critical infrastructure projects to support measurable outcomes in health and education in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in the first tranche of the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund initiatives.

The announcement comes as the Australian Productivity Commission’s Closing the Gap data from 2024 revealed 10 of 19 targets are not currently on track.

The first funding allocation for the Queensland Government’s Closing the Gap Priorities Fund includes:

• $8M for Kowanyama water supply improvements 
• $8M for Aurukun water supply improvements
• $3M for education facilities for the Buwu Program at Cherbourg State School.

The projects were identified as priority issues following community consultation and help address key Closing the Gap targets around housing, health, and education.

The Closing the Gap Priorities Fund rolling program will redirect previous Path to Treaty funding into impactful frontline projects for Indigenous Queenslanders.

Further projects and initiatives will be delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund focused on practical outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders.

“The Closing the Gap Priorities Fund delivers a pipeline of projects to achieve tangible improvements,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“These are practical on-the-ground measures including schools, home ownership, health services and clean drinking water.

“This is a fresh start, with a focus on practical measures to start closing the gap in Queensland.”