Billy Lights Point chosen as preferred site for SA Water desalination plant in Port Lincoln

With hundreds of kilometres of coastline to choose from, the aquaculture industry is questioning why a desalination plant is destined for prime waters.

A contentious desalination plant is likely destined for prime Eyre Peninsula aquaculture waters leaving the crucial local industry frustrated.

After investigating over 20 potential sites, SA Water general manager Amanda Lewry confirmed Billy Lights Point was the preferred location for the proposed $100m project on Friday as it best satisfied its requirements.

The call came after leaders raised concerns regarding the detrimental impact the plant could have on the industry.

For fisherman Mark Andrews the announcement further threatens the future of his business and neglects the years of hard work spent researching and establishing EP Seafoods.

Billy Lights Point boat ramp, Port Lincoln. Picture: Supplied

“I heard the news from the media, not really from SA Water - a little bit disappointing in that regard considering we’ve worked closely together since they first tabled the idea to have the plant at Billy Lights Point,” Mr Andrews said.

“They’ve got hundreds of miles of coastline and they want to put it right in the middle of an aquaculture zone.”

Mr Andrews said he was not convinced SA Water had done enough background work to claim it was the preferable site.

“They’ve only done three months worth of currant, temperature, chlorophyll, movement (research) within the bay - scientists say that you need a minimum of 12 months or more to get a full understanding of all the seasons,” he said.

“I can’t get my head around how they can say ‘this is the chosen site’.”

Eyre Peninsula Seafoods owners Mark Andrews and Andrew Puglisi. Picture: Supplied

The plant, which was previously considered for Sleaford, will draw a total of up to 11.3Gl of water from the ocean each year - around 0.64 per cent of the volume of Boston and Proper Bay.

Flinders Liberal candidate and president of the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association Sam Telfer said the proposed plant was still a work in progress.

“SA Water have a lot of details which needs to be presented to both community and industry to justify their preference for that location,” Mr Telfer said.

“There is significant science and data which needs to be developed before they can be confident with this site.”

However, SA Water says research and planning considered those likely to be affected and would continue to conduct “particular monitoring” through a $30,000 research program with the South Australian Research and Development Institute.

Ms Lewry said further research was necessary to understand the movement of muscle spat in and around Boston and Proper bays.

“We’re really confident that we can safely operate a desalination plant within the marine environment around Billy Lights Point,” Ms Lewry said

SA Water general manager Amanda Lewry. Picture: SA Water

Flinders Liberal candidate and president of the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association Sam Telfer Picture: Supplied

“There is existing scientific data about the bays, and the monitoring and analysis we complete through the development and approval processes will build upon this,” she said.

Ms Lewry highlighted the success of desalination plants at Kangaroo Island and Western Australian operating in active aquaculture environments.

“Scientific monitoring of the 48Gl capacity desalination plant at Cockburn Sound in WA shows since production began in 2006, the facility continues to operate in compliance with all relevant environmental requirements, with no adverse trends and data observed,” she said.

After further research, a development application must be submitted and will be open to public response before the location can be formally approved.

“Engagement with both industry and the wider Eyre Peninsula community has been key to this project to date with stakeholders contributing to the site review process in particular through dedicated industry reference group meetings and workshops, regular meetings with individual industry members, and ongoing marine monitoring with industry input,” Ms Lewry.

“We will continue these conversations throughout the detailed planning and construction phases, with community information sessions planned to take place in coming weeks.”