Australia

The South Australian Government has approved plans to build a new desalination plant at Billy Lights Point on the Eyre Peninsula. 

The State Government said that Eyre Peninsula’s future water security is at serious risk with water levels running low in the region’s underground aquifers. 

There are approximately 35,000 SA Water customers on the Eyre Peninsula, with around 75 per cent of the region’s drinking water sourced from these groundwater basins. 

 Plans for the project were recommended for approval by the State Commission Assessment Panel and were subsequently approved […]

The Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant project is a planning project as part of our commitment to be ‘plan ready’ in continuing to deliver safe and secure drinking water in response a potential severe and prolonged drought in the future. 

(Source)

The proposal is to build and operate a desalination plant, including a seawater extraction pipeline at either Pebbly Beach or Jenny Dixon Beach, needing a pipeline at least two kilometres in length.

(Source)

The New South Wales Government has given the Hunter Water approval to build a seawater desalination plant in Belmont, with construction expected to begin in late 2024. 

The State Government said that the $530 million investment in building a permanent desalination plant will significantly enhance the region’s drought preparedness and response capabilities. 

As the largest regional economy in New South Wales, the Lower Hunter is particularly vulnerable to dry seasons and drought. This project aims to secure the region’s critical water supply and support continued prosperity and growth. 

EVZ, which has a market capitalisation of $18.76 million, says work is expected to begin immediately on the design and procurement activities. 

These activities will begin before a planned mobilisation to site in December 2024 for anticipated completion in the last quarter of 2025. 

(Source)