9. Improving infrastructure and services for Indigenous communities

Historically the Commonwealth has funded municipal and essential services including infrastructure in two discrete Victorian Indigenous communities at Lake Tyers and Framlingham. Continued Commonwealth funding to support essential Indigenous infrastructure in Victoria is critical.

These communities require ongoing repairs and maintenance to housing as well as supporting infrastructure to be installed and improved over time.

A range of infrastructure work is planned for Lake Tyers and Framlingham in 2011-12, such as addressing sewage and water needs. Victoria looks forward to working with the Commonwealth to ensure value for money with this funding through the development of a long-term plan to ensure these communities have access to housing, water, sewage, power supply and other services.

Currently both state and Commonwealth government agencies are working to develop an assessment of the infrastructure needs of the Indigenous community sector. This will inform the development of a strategic plan by the Victorian Government in 2011-12.