EP desal reference group to provide community input

In announcing Billy Lights Point as its preferred site for a desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula, SA Water has established a project reference group, made up of eight local community members representing various interest areas.

Feedback from this group will help inform SA Water’s preparation of a development submission, as the utility works to secure all necessary approvals for the proposed project as well as prepare detailed designs, ahead of a final decision to be made by the State Government.

SA Water General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry said the group held its first meeting last week.

“We’ve worked with a range of local stakeholders over the past several years in relation to our Eyre Peninsula desalination project. These stakeholders will be represented in the reference group and we will use their collective knowledge to highlight any community or technical issues,” Amanda said.

“The group brings together representatives from aquaculture, local business and local councils, as well as individuals experienced in working in the agriculture sector, ensuring we gain a comprehensive understanding of what’s important and any specific concerns.

“We’ll combine these views with our expertise in operating desalination plants around South Australia that have proven to co-exist within their respective environments. These plants collectively provide a climate-independent supply of safe, clean drinking water to around one million South Australians.

“I want to be clear that while we have determined our preferred location for Eyre Peninsula’s desalination plant, details like the specific placement of marine infrastructure and design of the plant building within the local landscape are not confirmed, and that’s why we want to engage with key members of the community.

“The Project Reference Group will be consulted on various aspects of the project, including additional marine science research, engineering design and plant operation, and will help promote information sharing between SA Water and the local community.

“The group will hold regular meetings over the coming months, and minutes from the meetings will be made available on our website.”

Project Reference Group members:

• Jonathan Clark – General Manager, Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board
• Delfina Lanzilli – Chief Executive Officer, District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula
• Matthew Morgan – Chief Executive Officer, District Council of Port Lincoln
• Dean Johnson – President, Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association
• Peter Scott – Executive Officer, Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association
• Ryan Viney – Chief Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula
• Helen Lamont – Principal, Lamont Connections
• Rob Gratton – Chief Executive Officer, Clean Seas Seafood
• David Henchliffe – Project Director, SA Water

“We will continue to work with the broader Eyre Peninsula community on this important project. An information centre is open in Port Lincoln each weekday for people to drop in and ask questions, and information sessions being held across the region over the coming weeks,” Amanda said.

For more information on where and when these sessions are taking place, visit watertalks.sawater.com.au/getthefacts.

In parallel, SA Water has also opened an Expression of Interest for Design and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) services relating to the desalination plant and marine infrastructure. This is a standard step ahead of the development approval process for major projects.

Prospective tenderers can find more information at tenders.sa.gov.au, and those shortlisted will be invited to submit detailed responses around mid this year.

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