The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($5,000,000) and Water Corporation ($6,320,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
Stony Island seen from Torndirrup National Park. The project will investigate this area for a brine disposal outfall from a seawater desalination plant. Photo source: Water Corporation.
Population growth and tourism have placed pressure on the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme (the Scheme). Additional water supplies are needed to provide long-term water security for more than 40,000 people throughout:
- Albany
- Mount Barker
- Kendenup
- Denmark
- nearby areas supplied by the Scheme.
The business case will investigate potential future water source options to improve the reliability of supply across the Scheme, including climate independent sources such as seawater desalination. Initial investigations will include:
- groundwater and marine investigations
- engineering, environmental and heritage investigations
- climate change impact assessment
- stakeholder engagement
- cost estimates.
Increased water security has the potential to support regional economic growth, through agriculture, aquaculture and tourism industries.
Learn more
- Read about the Western Australia Connections package.
- Find out about more water security projects in the region including innovative dam covers.
- Discover the unique nature of water in Australia.