The Nationals WA propose a water desalination plant in Esperance, to solve the Goldfields’ water supply problem.
Member for Roe Peter Rundle said the project would be a significant economic driver for both Esperance and Kalgoorlie.
“Constructing and operating a desalination plant and pipeline would create hundreds of jobs during the development phase and ongoing opportunities during operation,” Mr Rundle said.
“This project has the potential to stimulate the local economies of Esperance and Kalgoorlie, bringing direct benefits to businesses, suppliers, and local industries.”
On Tuesday the Nationals were in Kalgoorlie to announce a commitment to develop a detailed business case and begin planning for the desalination plant.
Nationals WA leader Shane Love said a desalination plant producing 30 megalitres of water per day would unlock more than 10 gigalitres of water annually.
“That’s enough to meet the needs of every household in the Goldfields, with capacity to support the expansion of mining and other industries,” he said.
“By pumping water directly from Esperance, we could not only increase supply but also create a vital backup system in case of power failures or damage to the CY O’Connor pipeline.
“With the disused gas pipeline between Kalgoorlie and Esperance already in place, now is the perfect time to investigate how this infrastructure and the associated corridor could support a new desalination project.”
WA Water minister Simon McGurk has been contacted for comment.
