A site near Whyalla has been earmarked as the preferred location for the proposed Northern Water Desalination Plant.
Mullaquana Station – about 20km south of Whyalla – has been found to have the best balance of environmental, social and economic factors, following a multi-criteria analysis.
If the project goes ahead, the location will also avoid creating an extra 200 kilometres of pipeline.
Cape Hardy on the Eastern Eyre Peninsula was also assessed as a potential location for the project.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the project would be a major economic boost for the Spencer Gulf region.
“If green-lit, Northern Water will support South Australia’s strategic mineral industries, including magnetite for steel production and copper expansion at Olympic Dam, Oak Dam and Carrapateena,” he said in a statement.
Despite this, there are concerns around the environmental impacts of a desalination plant in the region, particularly regarding Mullaquana’s location near the ocean.
Detailed bids on delivering the project are now being prepared, with a final investment decision expected in the next financial year.
