- Nanarup chosen best location for small-scale desalination plant
- Detailed geotechnical and marine investigations to commence
- Seawater desalination the only option able to meet future demand, with an extra 1.8 billion litres of drinking water required across the region by 2050
- Cook Government committed to securing our water future in a drying climate
Nanarup has been chosen as the site for the proposed smallscale seawater desalination plant, a vital project that will secure the Lower Great Southern region's water future and support its continued growth.
Planning for a new, climateresilient water source began in 2009, with seven potential locations identified between Walpole in the west and areas 50 kilometres east of Albany.
Climateresilient seawater desalination is the only water source capable of meeting longterm demand within the required timeframes. 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.
The proposed plant is expected to deliver an initial capacity of three billion litres of drinking water a year, supplying Albany, Mount Barker, Kendenup, and Narrikup, and supporting Denmark as required.
Climate projections for Albany indicate average annual rainfall could decline by up to 21 per cent by 2050. This reduction will place increasing pressure on underground aquifers, dams, and river systems, which currently provide around 90 per cent of the region's drinking water.
Following detailed investigations, this list was narrowed to two preferred sites: Nanarup and Sandpatch.
Nanarup was selected after a comprehensive assessment process and consultation with local stakeholders.
The site performed strongly across a range of technical, environmental, operational, and economic criteria. It presents the lowest risk during construction, ongoing operation, and maintenance, and marine modelling shows favourable ocean conditions that will support effective brine dispersion.
The location is also relatively close to Albany and existing water infrastructure, helping to minimise both environmental and social impacts by reducing the need for long pipelines.
The project will now progress to the detailed investigation stage, with further work to be undertaken by Water Corporation across geotechnical, environmental, Aboriginal heritage, and marine studies. Marine investigations will include independent scientific modelling using wave, tide and current data collected from the site.
The South Coast - Sandpatch option was ruled out due to complex geology, steep topography, and challenging ocean conditions that would pose significant safety risks during construction and future operations.
Water Corporation will continue engaging with the community and other stakeholders for the duration of the project, including its independently facilitated community consultation group, with nominations to reopen this year for additional members.
For project updates and FAQs, visit watercorporation.com.au/LGSnewsource
As stated by Water and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government is securing the Great Southern's water future in a drying climate, ensuring communities and industries have the confidence to plan and grow.
"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.
"By acting now to strengthen the region's water security, we're supporting the continued growth of local businesses, housing, agricultural producers, and the communities that rely on them.
"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."
As stated by Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby:
"A desalination plant in Albany will be a major investment by the Cook Government to deliver long-term water security for the Lower Great Southern in the face of record low rainfall.
"No other water source is sufficient to bridge the gap in demand, with an extra 1.8 billion litres of drinking water required by 2050.
"We cannot afford to have water supply constraints in the Lower Great Southern as a handbrake on economic development, so need the Albany community and other key stakeholders to support the delivery of this vital new source."
As stated by Samantha Rowe MLC:
"A key focus of developing any desalination plant is to minimise its environmental and social impact. At Nanarup, we do not anticipate any permanent change to beach access nor loss of recreational or tourism value, so people will be able to continue enjoying all that the beach offers.
"The Albany community will continue to help inform the final outcome to ensure we deliver the right solution to benefit the region for decades to come."
