Possible project uses for the potential Upper Spencer Gulf desalination plant, as outlined on northernwatersupply.sa.gov.au
Mayor supports need for Desal Plant to service region
City of Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin welcomed today’s announcement by the State and Federal governments about a potential new desal plant for the Upper Spencer Gulf.
The plant would be part of the Northern Water Supply Project, which has received $15 million funding from the State and Federal governments to secure South Australia’s water future, and could result in up to 8000 construction jobs and 6000 ongoing jobs.
“This announcement has fantastic potential for our region, representing a critical first step towards unlocking future jobs and economic investment, as well as water security for the entire Spencer Gulf,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“Building a major desalination plant in the region would benefit Whyalla’s accelerated ‘green’ industry growth while helping wean the Upper Spencer Gulf off of consuming fresh Murray River water.”
Mayor McLaughlin said if the plant was to be located in the region, it was encouraging that technological advancements in recent years have enabled waste products to be reused, which would help prevent potential environmental impacts.
“It’s critical that any desalination plant constructed in the region would make productive use of salt concentrate to avoid it being pumped out to sea,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“The Spencer Gulf region is brimming with renewable energy production, so the plant could also be entirely powered by renewables, further minimising its environmental footprint.”
Mayor McLaughlin said if the facility went ahead, it could potentially be a means to an end for the currently unsustainable consumption of Murray River freshwater.
“Heavy industry water consumption is increasing; new industry is starting up in Whyalla and across the region; and the potential to diversify agriculture around Whyalla is enormous. All of this requires a secure, affordable water supply, so this facility could meet that demand,” she said.
“The potential of adding a sustainable water supply is therefore significant for our environment, economy and job potential.”
Read the State and Federal governments’ full announcement here.
Find out more about City of Whyalla’s South Australian election priorities