Australia funds 51 new rural community projects across Solomon Islands to improve infrastructure and services
In his first few days in office, Prime Minister Wale has spoken about the importance of building an economy that works for everyone, right across Solomon Islands.
Australia is committed to this goal – we want our investments to reach the furthest and most remote communities in Solomon Islands.
With around 80% of Solomon Islands’ population living in rural areas, I understand how important it is for these communities to have quality infrastructure that improves their lives.
I am therefore delighted to have approved 51 new projects for the first round of Solomon Islands Australia Community Partnerships for 2026. This follows a record 108 community projects funded in 2025. A second funding round for 2026 will open shortly.
These 51 projects represent more than SBD 11 million in direct funding that will go to Solomon Islands businesses for building materials and transportation services. The Community Partnerships Program complements our broader large scale development support – nearly SBD 1 billion this year – by delivering immediate, tangible improvements for rural communities across the country.
These projects are delivered in partnership with communities across the country, who build these small-scale but vital pieces of community infrastructure with a proud sense of ownership. Over 340 communities – represented in every constituency and every province of Solomon Islands – are now part of the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership.
I also want to acknowledge the commitment and support of Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Assemblies and other national, provincial and local leaders working with us to deliver these projects. We continue to recognise their important contribution to their constituencies’ development.
The Community Partnerships program is designed to improve the living standards of people across Solomon Islands. In this round, for example, there are water access and WASH projects in Ngella, East Choiseul, South Choiseul, East Central Guadalcanal, Gao / Bugotu, Maringe / Kokota, Aoke / Langalanga, Central Kwara’ae, North Malaita, West Are’are, Temotu Pele, North Vella La Vella, Shortland Islands, and West New Georgia / Vona Vona.
My team has loved visiting community halls across Solomon Islands – they are a key part of building community cohesion and providing a place for people to gather. That is why Australia has approved funding in this round for 10 community halls, disaster shelters and market houses in North Guadalcanal, Hograno / Kia / Havulei, Central Makira, Aoke / Langalanga, East Malaita, North Malaita, West Are’are, West Kwaio, West Kwara’ae, and South Vella La Vella.
Australia is also investing in education infrastructure, with six education-supporting projects such as classrooms and teacher housing across Savo / Russells, Central Guadalcanal, North Guadalcanal, West Guadalcanal, East Makira, and West New Georgia / Vona Vona.
I know accessing and affording reliable power is an increasing challenge for many parts of Solomon Islands, making it hard for health clinics to help sick people, or for schools to teach students, or communities to feel safe at night. In this round we have approved 21 solar power projects in South Choiseul, South Guadalcanal, Central Honiara, East Honiara, Gao / Bugotu, Hograno / Kia / Havulei, West Makira, Baegu / Asifola, Central Kwara’ae, East Are’are, Fataleka, Lau / Mbaelelea, Small Malaita, Rennell / Bellona, Temotu Nende, Gizo / Kolombangara, Marovo, North New Georgia, Rannogga / Simbo, and South New Georgia / Rendova / Tetepare.
Australia listens to Solomon Islands communities and their leaders when they say how important it is for communities across the country to have infrastructure to improve everyday lives. I am looking forward to visiting new and existing projects in 2026 and seeing the impact of the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnerships firsthand.
Lukim yu neks taem!
