A new desalination plant to support the water needs of Western Australia’s Great Southern region is set to be built in Nanarup.
The town near Albany was chosen as it presents the lowest risk during construction, operation and maintenance, and supports favourable ocean conditions to underpin effective brine dispersion. Its proximity to Albany was also favoured.
The small-scale plant is expected to deliver an initial three billion litres of drinking water per year, supplying Albany, Mount Barker, Kendenup and Narrikup.
WA Minister for Water and Climate Resilience Don Punch said the plant would help secure the region’s water future in a drying climate.
“This will be a small facility, but the positive effect on Albany and the Great Southern’s opportunities, environment, investment, and living standards will be immense over coming decades,” he said.
“Water Corporation are world leaders in sustainable, climate resilient, low-impact desalination technology and I back them to deliver this project in keeping with the natural values of our incredible Great Southern.”
The WA Government explained why an additional water source is necessary.
“Climate‑resilient seawater desalination is the only water source capable of meeting long‑term demand within the required timeframes,” the government said.
“Driven by population and economic growth, annual demand in the region is expected to exceed supply by 2030, with up to 1.8 billion litres of additional drinking water needed by 2050.”
Albany itself is expected to experience up to 21 per cent less annual rainfall by 2050.
Planning for the small-scale desalination plant began in 2009, with seven locations initially identified. Nanarup and Sandpatch were shortlisted from there.
Water Corporation will continue to engage with communities throughout the duration of the project, including through an independent community consultation group.
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