The South Australian Government is looking to build a desalination plant at Kangaroo Island, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs for the Kangaroo Island community.
Premier Steven Marshall said the Government is committing $33 million to the project which will provide a new secure drinking water supply, unlock economic activity and improve bushfire resilience.
“This project will future-proof the Kangaroo Island community, create up to 500 jobs and provide a significant economic boost to the region,” said Premier Marshall.
“The summer’s devastating bushfires highlighted the water infrastructure issues faced on Kangaroo Island and a new desalination plant will improve water security and supply.”
The desalination plant, to be located at Penneshaw, will enable customer connections in American River, Baudin Beach, Island Beach and Sapphiretown, as well as water supply to a potential new golf course and other commercial developments.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the plant will be ‘a critical piece of water infrastructure’ for Kangaroo Island.
“A desalination plant on Kangaroo Island will significantly increase water security and provide greater resilience for the entire island in times of drought and bushfires,” said Minister Speirs.
“Along with new pipelines, it would enable more than 1000 properties at the eastern end of the island who currently source their water supplies through rainwater tanks and private water carters to connect to a secure and reliable drinking water source.”
The total cost of the proposed desalination plant is $47.8 million and the SA State Government is working closely with the Federal Government to secure the additional funding required.
