Early works underway for Eyre Peninsula’s new desalination plant

Early works are underway at the site of the Eyre Peninsula’s new desalination plant at Billy Lights Point, as SA Water makes progress in delivering a new sustainable drinking water source for the region.

Commencing from late February, the works will include the required clearance and removal of on-site vegetation, and construction of two new vehicle access roads for use during both construction and ongoing operation of the plant.

The project received Development Application approval in late 2024 following an independent review and assessment process by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP), allowing the project to proceed.

SA Water’s Acting General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Peter Seltsikas said this early stage of works is the first step ahead of major construction getting underway.

“This is a critically important project for the Eyre Peninsula, and we’re taking action to deliver a new, climate-independent drinking water supply for local homes and businesses by mid-2026,” Peter said.

“With recent weeks spent clearing the former industrial land of more than 13 tonnes of rubbish and 300 vehicle tyres accumulated over several years, we are now preparing the site ahead of broader major work to construct the reverse osmosis plant, marine infrastructure and water transfer pipeline.

“Along with constructing a vehicle access road into the desalination plant site from nearby St Andrews Drive, a secondary access road will be built into our existing adjacent wastewater treatment plant, where the desalination plant’s marine pump station – used to transfer seawater into the plant – will be located.

“Localised traffic management will temporarily be in place along a small section of St Andrews Drive, near the boat ramp, at periods throughout this stage of work, and we thank the community for their patience while we undertake this project as quickly and safely as possible.”

Subject to weather conditions, works are anticipated to be undertaken throughout March, from Monday to Saturday between 7.30am and 5pm.

For more information on the Eyre Peninsula desalination project, visit watertalks.sawater.com.au.

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