Construction begins on new KI desalination plant

Early works are now underway for construction of Kangaroo Island’s new seawater desalination plant, which will improve drinking water reliability, support the local economy and provide greater bushfire resilience.

SA Water, together with major construction partner John Holland Guidera O’Connor joint venture, this week began setting up equipment, fencing and temporary site huts, as well as ground preparation at the Penneshaw site.

SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry said this work is happening in parallel with the continuing installation of pipeline to connect customers in four local communities to the new desalination facility and water supply network.

“Close to 12 of a total 50 kilometres of large underground water main has been laid, and this pipe – along with smaller reticulation mains – will deliver water to more than a thousand residents in American River, Baudin Beach, Island Beach and Sapphiretown,” Amanda said.

“These communities currently rely on private rainwater tanks or water carters for their drinking water, with the new desalination plant and water network providing access to a safe, reliable and climate-independent supply of drinking water.

“Fire plugs will also be strategically placed along the pipes, enabling fire authorities and water carters for the first time, direct access to water via our infrastructure in these areas, to fill or refill.”

SA Water’s development application for the desalination plant was informed by detailed marine and land assessments, with the site at the corner of Hog Bay Road and Williams Walkers Way determined as the most suitable, based on a range of criteria.

The independent State Commission Assessment Panel’s review and assessment process opened the application for public consultation and considered feedback, with conditions set to ensure areas such as road safety and environmental management are managed in accordance with regulations and community expectations.

“Comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement was another integral part of our planning process, and in fact, community feedback resulted in a decision to move the plant site approximately 60 metres south-west of the initial location, with the new placement enabling us to better use the existing landscape as screening,” Amanda said.

“A community working group we established in Penneshaw is continuing to inform landscaping and visual amenity opportunities at the plant site, including the selection of key building colours and native vegetation.

“We’re also committed to minimising any impacts to the community during construction, such as dust or noise caused by the use of heavy machinery and increased vehicle movement in and out of the worksite.

“For the safety of our people and commuters, we ask nearby residents and road users to take note of localised traffic management sometimes required during work hours.”

More than $64 million is being invested in the project, with the new two megalitre a day capacity plant to supplement the smaller existing nearby desalination facility and Middle River Reservoir.

For up-to-date information on the project, visit watertalks.sawater.com.au.

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