South Australia’s Northern Water Project has reached a key milestone by choosing Mullaquana Station, located 20 kilometres south of Whyalla, as the preferred site for its proposed $5 billion desalination plant. The facility will form the backbone of a new water supply system designed to support industry and communities across the state’s north.
Why This Matters
The plant will draw seawater from the Spencer Gulf, convert it into fresh water, and feed a 600-kilometre pipeline stretching inland. This infrastructure aims to:
- Secure water for BHP’s Olympic Dam copper operations
- Support future green hydrogen projects
- Reduce reliance on the Great Artesian Basin, protecting fragile ecosystems
Project Status
- Pre-feasibility study: $200 million underway, funded by the SA Government and BHP
- Final decision: Expected next year
- Construction timeline: Targeted for 2026–27 financial year
- Operational goal: Early 2030s
Economic Impact
Premier Peter Malinauskas called the site selection “potentially monumental” for Whyalla, noting it could safeguard the city’s steelworks and unlock new opportunities for the Upper Spencer Gulf region. The project promises thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity, but local leaders stress that feasibility and sustainability remain critical before construction begins.
Environmental Concerns
While the plant could reduce pressure on inland water sources, environmental groups are monitoring potential impacts on the Spencer Gulf’s marine ecosystem. The government says site selection followed a multi-criteria analysis to minimize risks.
(Source: ABC net)