Eyre Peninsula desalinisation plant nearing decision

Environmental and financial concerns, together with the inability to construct the plant in time to deliver water by December 2024, prompted the Site Selection Committee to remove Uley South Shoal Point, a move which received unanimous support at last week's meeting.

Sleaford West, Point Boston, and Sleaford North remain as the final options, with a preferred site expected to be selected and recommended to SA Water and the state government in the first week of August.

There are also plans increasing the size of the plant, due to increased demand for water, with the capacity of the plant lifted by 30 per cent to 5.3 gigalitres.

Site selection committee chair Peter Treloar says the committee is a strong advocate for ensuring the desalination plant meets existing and future demand and welcomes this recent decision.

"Secure access to water with the added capacity to grow the economy is a high priority for communities on the EP, so it is crucial that we advocate for the best long-term solution for our region," he said.

"With respect to the site selection, all three sites are different, with designers mindful of finding solutions that best suit our unique environment here on the EP, while still being cost-effective.

"I have been impressed with the dedication and consideration put in by all Committee members with whom have been tasked with contributing to this important process, and I am looking forward to the Committee's recommendation for a viable alternative site to deliver water security for Port Lincoln and the EP."

While the process nears completion, design teams are still busy exploring all options, with final designs and costings expected this week.

Site selection committee members representing local industries, local government, and community boards will vote through a comprehensive polling process next week, which is designed to deliver the best outcome.

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This process will consider community feedback, as well as environmental, financial, technical and property factors.

Mr Treloar, who briefed the Deputy Premier and Water Minister Susan Close on the project recently, said he was pleased with the state government's support and looks forward to working collaboratively to deliver the right water solution for the EP.

The committee is made up of 20 members representing local industries, including aquaculture, fisheries, business, government, environment, and regional development, and is assisted by independent consultancy group TSA Management.

SA Water had previously announced Billy Lights Point as the preferred location and this remains as a base case for comparison.