Share Northern Water on FacebookShare Northern Water on TwitterShare Northern Water on LinkedinEmail Northern Water link
Exploring a new secure and sustainable water supply for the future.
What's being decided/considered?
Northern Water is investigating the option of a seawater desalination plant in the Spencer Gulf at Cape Hardy. The desalination plant would be connected to the Upper Spencer Gulf and northern South Australia via approximately 600km of pipeline.
Aimed at addressing the limited sustainable water supplies in the Far North and Upper Spencer Gulf Regions of South Australia, and encouraging growth of the industries crucial to achieving net-zero goals, including the emerging clean energy and hydrogen industries, Northern Water would provide a climate-independent water source.
The map below illustrates the proposed project pipeline.
During 2024 - 2025 we will undertake a range of project planning, design and assessment activities to understand potential project opportunities, benefits, impacts and costs.
Activities will include:
Formal tender process and development of agreed contract terms with a preferred contractor to design, build, operate and maintain the plant and pipeline
More detailed evaluation of the overall environmental, social and economic impact of the project
Progression of Cultural Heritage Survey and Native Title negotiations
Land access negotiations for the plant and pipeline
Ongoing engagement with stakeholders and the community to ensure risks and opportunities are properly understood and addressed
Other activities required to provide Government with clear understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with the project.
The project team is seeking feedback from the community, stakeholders, landowners, and traditional owners to inform the assessment process and assist in making a final decision on the project.
Your feedback will help identify management measures to reduce risk and enhance local community benefits.
Background
An extensive site selection process commenced in 2022, which included input from key stakeholders, technical investigations, and a formal multi-criteria-assessment (MCA) process.
Three sites were initially short listed (at Crag Point, Port Lowly and at Mullaquana Station), with Mullaquana Station best performing in the initial MCA scoring process. In mid-2023 a fourth site at Cape Hardy was added to the short list following additional industry interest that would reduced the financial impacts of constructing the plant so far south in the Spencer Gulf making it a potentially feasible option.
Early engagement with key stakeholders was favourable towards Cape Hardy as a potential site for the desalination plant and a supplementary MCA process was undertaken for the Cape Hardy site in mid-2023. This identified Cape Hardy as the best performing site across the four options considered.
We consulted with the local community and stakeholders regarding the outcomes of the MCA and most people indicated their support of Cape Hardy as the better site to focus on for further study.
We presented the MCA result and the stakeholders and community feedback to the South Australian Government to help inform the selection of a preferred study site for further investigations.
The Northern Water team is committed to transparent and two-way engagement with stakeholders and the wider community as part of the Planning and Assessment phase.
call the Northern Water project team on 08 8429 4650
What are the next steps?
We will publish project updates and local community engagement opportunities throughout 2024-2025 on this page. via the news feed tool below. To receive email updates at significant project points please subscribe to the project.
If a final investment decision to proceed with the Northern Water project is made, the earliest that water would be available for use is in 2028.
Exploring a new secure and sustainable water supply for the future.
What's being decided/considered?
Northern Water is investigating the option of a seawater desalination plant in the Spencer Gulf at Cape Hardy. The desalination plant would be connected to the Upper Spencer Gulf and northern South Australia via approximately 600km of pipeline.
Aimed at addressing the limited sustainable water supplies in the Far North and Upper Spencer Gulf Regions of South Australia, and encouraging growth of the industries crucial to achieving net-zero goals, including the emerging clean energy and hydrogen industries, Northern Water would provide a climate-independent water source.
The map below illustrates the proposed project pipeline.
During 2024 - 2025 we will undertake a range of project planning, design and assessment activities to understand potential project opportunities, benefits, impacts and costs.
Activities will include:
Formal tender process and development of agreed contract terms with a preferred contractor to design, build, operate and maintain the plant and pipeline
More detailed evaluation of the overall environmental, social and economic impact of the project
Progression of Cultural Heritage Survey and Native Title negotiations
Land access negotiations for the plant and pipeline
Ongoing engagement with stakeholders and the community to ensure risks and opportunities are properly understood and addressed
Other activities required to provide Government with clear understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with the project.
The project team is seeking feedback from the community, stakeholders, landowners, and traditional owners to inform the assessment process and assist in making a final decision on the project.
Your feedback will help identify management measures to reduce risk and enhance local community benefits.
Background
An extensive site selection process commenced in 2022, which included input from key stakeholders, technical investigations, and a formal multi-criteria-assessment (MCA) process.
Three sites were initially short listed (at Crag Point, Port Lowly and at Mullaquana Station), with Mullaquana Station best performing in the initial MCA scoring process. In mid-2023 a fourth site at Cape Hardy was added to the short list following additional industry interest that would reduced the financial impacts of constructing the plant so far south in the Spencer Gulf making it a potentially feasible option.
Early engagement with key stakeholders was favourable towards Cape Hardy as a potential site for the desalination plant and a supplementary MCA process was undertaken for the Cape Hardy site in mid-2023. This identified Cape Hardy as the best performing site across the four options considered.
We consulted with the local community and stakeholders regarding the outcomes of the MCA and most people indicated their support of Cape Hardy as the better site to focus on for further study.
We presented the MCA result and the stakeholders and community feedback to the South Australian Government to help inform the selection of a preferred study site for further investigations.
The Northern Water team is committed to transparent and two-way engagement with stakeholders and the wider community as part of the Planning and Assessment phase.
call the Northern Water project team on 08 8429 4650
What are the next steps?
We will publish project updates and local community engagement opportunities throughout 2024-2025 on this page. via the news feed tool below. To receive email updates at significant project points please subscribe to the project.
If a final investment decision to proceed with the Northern Water project is made, the earliest that water would be available for use is in 2028.
Share Onshore and offshore Geotechnical begins at Cape Hardy on FacebookShare Onshore and offshore Geotechnical begins at Cape Hardy on TwitterShare Onshore and offshore Geotechnical begins at Cape Hardy on LinkedinEmail Onshore and offshore Geotechnical begins at Cape Hardy link
If you’re in the area over the coming months, you might notice activity around Cape Hardy. It’slikely you’reseeing our Northern Water team conducting geotechnicalinvestigations both on and offshore.
The upcoming geotechnical investigations will comprise borehole drilling and reach target depths of between 70 and 75 metres onshore and between 35 and 60 metres offshore. This will assess this site’s subsurface soil and rock profiles to inform the project’s design and sequencing.
In addition, shallow seafloor sediments will be investigated using vibracoring techniques (sampling techniques with minimal disturbance to the surrounding seafloor) along the proposed outfall and intaketunnel alignments.
Samples collected during the investigation willbe testedto determinephysical soil and rock properties. This testing will helpinform the most appropriate alignmentsfor the intake and outfall tunnelsand associated infrastructure for the proposed desalination plant.
Once complete, and when the project has finished with the samples, we’llgivethem to South Australia’s Drill Core Reference Library where they’llbecomepart of its world-renownedcollection. These valuable samples will beavailable to explorers, engineers,geologists, and anyone else interested in South Australia’s rock formations as part of one of the world’s most extensive collections of drill cores.
We’re fully aware there may be areas of cultural significance in the area, so we’ve sought advice from Traditional Owners and land holders to ensure any planned disturbance during our investigations avoid highly sensitive areas and are managed sympathetically to the surroundings.
Share Snapper and King George Whiting findings are in! on FacebookShare Snapper and King George Whiting findings are in! on TwitterShare Snapper and King George Whiting findings are in! on LinkedinEmail Snapper and King George Whiting findings are in! link
Snapper and King George Whiting findings are in!
A study commissioned by Northern Water to investigate the potential impact of the project on Snapper and King George Whiting life cycles is now complete.
A report detailing the results of the study was presented last week and concluded that there is a low to very low likelihood of impact to either species from the planned desalination plant at Cape Hardy.
This is good news for the fish and good news for Northern Water.
The study investigated the life cycles of Snapper and King George Whiting from spawning to egg and larval dispersal, recruitment areas, and adult movement and habitats concluding the overall risk should be considered as low.
Experienced marine scientist, Dr Troy Roger, under the direction of Dr Mike Steer, Research Director, SARDI Aquatic and Livestock Sciences carried out this research and analysis before presenting the report to Northern Water.
Share Business briefings and drop ins on FacebookShare Business briefings and drop ins on TwitterShare Business briefings and drop ins on LinkedinEmail Business briefings and drop ins link
Northern Water will conduct Business Briefing and Drop In sessions for industry, businesses, suppliers and parties with an interest in participation in the project.
The purpose of the briefings will be to provide information about the Northern Water project and the opportunities it presents. The briefings will provide an opportunity to engage during the planning phase of the project to enhance your knowledge and strategies to support your potential participation in Northern Water.
The briefings will provide information relevant to business and industry across sectors and supply chains, including the broad range of expected wrap around services to support the successful delivery of the Northern Water project.
Port Lincoln Business Briefing: Beer Garden Brewing 28 London Street, Port Lincoln Date: Thursday 4th July 2024 Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm
Share $65 million Commonwealth funding contribution on FacebookShare $65 million Commonwealth funding contribution on TwitterShare $65 million Commonwealth funding contribution on LinkedinEmail $65 million Commonwealth funding contribution link
The Commonwealth Government has announced funding contribution of $65 million towards the planning and assessment phase of the Northern Water project. This will support activities such as the environmental impact investigations, continued engagement with landholders and traditional owners, design and commercial negotiations to ensure the best outcome. These activities will ultimately inform the project Final Investment Decision expected in mid-2026.
Funding was provided under the Commonwealth’s Future Made in Australia policy, focusing on water to unlock the potential of our Eyre Peninsula, Upper Spencer Gulf and Far North resources and build a net-zero carbon emissions South Australia.
Share Career Expo Roadshow on FacebookShare Career Expo Roadshow on TwitterShare Career Expo Roadshow on LinkedinEmail Career Expo Roadshow link
We are looking forward to being at the regional Careers Expo Roadshow, informing future generations about jobs critical in a project like Northern Water. This is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the various skills and professions projects like ours require. The job and career pathways are endless – encourage your high school aged children to come and find out more about the career options they could pursue, parents can also attend the public session in Port Lincoln on 5 June.
Tuesday 21 May, 10am – 2pm – Kadina, Copper Coast Sport and Leisure Centre
Wednesday 22 May, 10am – 2pm - Port Pirie, Northern Festival Centre
Thursday 23 May, 10am – 2pm – Port Augusta, Central Oval
Wednesday 5 June, 3.30pm – 6.30pm, Port Lincoln Hotel
Share Geotech and cadastral survey are underway on FacebookShare Geotech and cadastral survey are underway on TwitterShare Geotech and cadastral survey are underway on LinkedinEmail Geotech and cadastral survey are underway link
Geotech
Geotechnical investigations (Geotech) have started. Geotech helps us understand the ground conditions to inform the project design. You might see our geo-technicians out in the field completing this important work.
Most of these works will be conducted within the project corridor or in road reserves, so road users are unlikely to be impacted by these works.
Geotech investigations are expected to continue up to the end of 2024.
Cadastral survey
Our surveying contractor will be on site from late May 2024 undertaking ground truthing of property boundary data (cadastral survey) at various locations along the project area.
Most works are carried out in road reserves, meaning there will likely be no impact on traffic.
Surveyors collect information on-site using electronic equipment. As the survey is to confirm property boundaries, the reference markers you may see on the ground do not necessarily correspond to areas impacted by the project’s final design.
Share Have you seen Our Model? on FacebookShare Have you seen Our Model? on TwitterShare Have you seen Our Model? on LinkedinEmail Have you seen Our Model? link
Have you seen the Norther Water animation?
The 3D animation is a short video of the reference design. The reference design forms the basis of our environmental approvals.
Share Northern Water Community Grants now open on FacebookShare Northern Water Community Grants now open on TwitterShare Northern Water Community Grants now open on LinkedinEmail Northern Water Community Grants now open link
Northern Water has launched a new Community Grants program!
Open now we’re calling for submissions focusing on local community capacity building and regional enhancement.
All eligible individuals, organisations and associations who share common values, with drive and vision to enhance the social, environmental and economic outcomes in regional communities in the Upper Spencer Gulf, Eyre Peninsula and far North of South Australia can apply.
Northern Water is pleased to play a role in creating a lasting positive legacy for local communities!
Please spread the word among the community - friends, colleagues, and associates.
Round One has kicked off with grants of up to $5,000 and $10,000 available now.
Each quarter, another $30,000 round will become available.
We are building more than just an infrastructure project, we're supporting local communities in building a stronger future for the region.
Round One applications must be submitted by 6pm 31 May 2024.
To find out more head to northernwater.sa.gov.au/grants
Sponsorships
Northern Water is also seeking sponsorship opportunities. Please forward your sponsorship prospectus to northernwater@sa.gov.au
Share Come and meet our team! on FacebookShare Come and meet our team! on TwitterShare Come and meet our team! on LinkedinEmail Come and meet our team! link
In the coming weeks we are embarking on our Community Conversations sessions where you can come and meet our team, learn more about our project and tell us what is most important to you.
During our Community Conversations, we’ll discuss our methodologies, with a focus on marine studies, project design and social impact, and share ideas together.
The initial sessions will be in Port Neill and Tumby Bay, with further session locations to come.
Share Public Consultation on EPBC referral on FacebookShare Public Consultation on EPBC referral on TwitterShare Public Consultation on EPBC referral on LinkedinEmail Public Consultation on EPBC referral link
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is now undertaking formal public consultation on the Northern Project prior to the Minister for the Environment and Water (Cwth) determining what further assessment is required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The consultation closes on 21 March 2024. The project Name in the Referral is Northern Water Desalination and Pipeline Infrastructure Project and the reference number is 2023/09717. You can access the DCCEEW portal here.
Click here to play video
Whyalla Industry Briefing
Northern Water Industry and Business briefing at Whyalla.
Click here to play video
Tumby Bay Industry Briefing February 2024
Northern Water Industry and Business briefing at Whyalla.
Click here to play video
Northern Water 3D Model
3D animation of the reference design. The reference design forms the basis of our environmental approvals.
Contributions to this consultation will be closed for evaluation and review. The project team will report back on key outcomes.
Final report
this is an upcoming stage for Northern Water
The final outcomes of the consultation are documented here. This may include a summary of all contributions collected as well as recommendations for future action.