Regional Development Australia EP rejects SA Water desalination plant site at Billy Lights Point

It’s been described as a “wrecking ball” set to destroy the region but a contentious desalination plant does have support if a less risky location is found.

An Eyre Peninsula development agency has publicly rejected the proposed location of an desalination plant as community members prepare to protest what says would be a “wrecking ball” for the region.

Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula made the statement about the SA Water plan after an unanimous decision at its October board meeting.

Billy Lights Point, Port Lincoln. Picture: Craig Hore

“The Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula Board strongly support the urgent need for a desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula, but absolutely opposes the proposed location of Billy Lights Point or any other location in the Port Lincoln bay areas and that SA Water adopt international best practice in site selection and the whole project development,” the statement read.

The backlash comes after SA Water confirmed Billy Lights Point was its “preferred” location as the site best fit the criteria to erect the desal plant.

RDAEP chief executive Dion Dorward reiterated the regions need for a desal plant but said the chosen location was risky.

RDAEP chief executive Dion Dorward believes the region needs a desal plant, but rejects SA Water's chosen location. Picture: Supplied

“RDAEP and key stakeholders are all supportive of desal and want to work constructively with SA Water to identify a suitable site,” Mr Dorward said.

“This is not about desal, it’s about location.

“We find it difficult to reconcile putting a desal into such a productive environment and we see it as an unnecessary risk.”

SA Water began searching for an appropriate site in 2008 but the project has gained attention from the aquaculture industry in recent months, after multiple potential sites were identified which it believed would directly impact local businesses.

Mr Dorward, along with senator Rex Patrick and Tumby Bay Mayor Sam Telfer are speaking at the Hands Off Boston Bay meeting Saturday, November 20 on the Port Lincoln foreshore.

The information session invites the community to “come and listen to why a desal plant at Billy Lights Point will not only be a wrecking ball through the region’s economy – destroying jobs in tourism, aquaculture, fishing and local business, it threatens our unique marine habitat and recreation hub”.

SA Water general manager Amanda Lewry told The Port Lincoln News it was considering impacted industries in their decision making last month.

Public information meeting, with speakers from the Eyre Peninsula and impacted industries. Picture: Facebook

SA Water General Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry. Picture: supplied

“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,” Ms Lewry said.

“In particular, through dedicated industry reference group meetings and workshops, regular meetings with individual industry members and ongoing marine monitoring with industry input.”