The South Australian government has made a pivotal decision in its quest for water security, selecting a site for a massive new $5 billion desalination plant. The announcement, made public on December 1, 2025, confirms the facility will be built on the Northern Eyre Peninsula.
A Decision Against Expert Advice
This final site selection comes despite the findings of a significant 2023 report. That independent analysis concluded that a location at Cape Hardy, also situated on the Eyre Peninsula, would have delivered the "greatest benefits and have the least negative impacts". The government's choice to proceed with the Northern Eyre Peninsula site, therefore, represents a clear departure from that expert recommendation, raising immediate questions about the factors that ultimately swayed the decision.
Details of the Mega-Project
The project is one of the state's largest ever infrastructure investments, earmarked at a staggering $5 billion. Desalination plants work by removing salt and impurities from seawater, providing a climate-independent source of fresh water. For drought-prone regions like South Australia, such facilities are considered critical for long-term water security for households, agriculture, and industry.
An artist's impression of the proposed plant was released by the Government of South Australia alongside the site announcement, giving the public a first glimpse of the scale and design of the future facility on the chosen coastline.
Implications and Community Reaction
The decision is expected to have profound implications for the local Eyre Peninsula community and the state's broader water policy. Proponents will argue that any progress on the plant is vital for drought-proofing the state's water supply. However, the move is likely to face scrutiny from environmental groups, local residents, and political opponents who will point to the 2023 Cape Hardy report as evidence that a better, less impactful option was available.
Key questions now centre on the specific rationale for overlooking the Cape Hardy recommendation. Officials will need to detail the economic, environmental, and engineering assessments that led to the Northern Eyre Peninsula site being deemed superior, despite the previous findings.
The construction of the desalination plant will be a multi-year endeavour, promising significant local employment during the build but also posing potential challenges related to marine environment impacts and energy consumption. The state government's next steps will involve detailed planning approvals and further community consultation as the $5 billion vision begins to take concrete shape.
