Nationally Significant Water Security Project to underpin growth of the Upper Spencer Gulf Region
As part of the evolution of the Upper Spencer Gulf region, around 40 representatives from state and local governments; marine industry and conservation groups; business and resident groups; and regional development authorities will meet in Whyalla this morning to discuss the Northern Water Supply (NWS) project.
In March this year, the State government – in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government and major private investors - committed to developing a business case for a sustainable water supply for far north South Australia and the Upper Spencer Gulf region.
The meeting today helps ensure a transparent consultation process, while enabling valuable information, perspectives and ideas from local stakeholders to be shared, collected and incorporated in the study. This feedback will then play a key role in any final decisions.
As part of a commitment to engagement, key stakeholders have been invited to participate in the workshop to help develop the framework for identifying a study site for the business case, as well as provide input into the design of future social, environmental, and economic studies.
The focus of the project is to look at water security in the region, enabling major economic development and green jobs creation in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
The business case process will be robust, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the benefits and risks of the project.
The South Australian government’s $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan which is already underway, could directly benefit from the NWS project via a reliable water supply, but will not be contingent on the final assessment of the NWS business case.
These projects, together with the proposed investment in the green hydrogen hub located at Port Bonython, will deliver huge opportunities for the state, creating real, sustainable jobs of the future, and contribute to our net-zero carbon emissions target.
This targeted workshop consultation will be complemented by broader consultation with the community during the development of the business case. People wanting to find out more about the project can go to Northern Water Supply Project | Northern Water Supply Project.