Project update - July 2025

The project continues to progress, with major contractors confirmed. ACCIONA, which led the Early Contractor Involvement phase, has been awarded the full contract to deliver the desalination plant and will manage the overall project construction. McConnell Dowell, a globally recognised leader in marine construction, is delivering the marine infrastructure components which involves tunnelling beneath the ocean floor to minimise coastal disturbance. South Australian company Leed is designing and constructing the transfer pipeline connecting the plant to the existing water network. Environmental management remains a key priority, with design and construction adjustments reducing the project’s environmental footprint.

With our project partners now confirmed and detailed designs complete, the project has reached a major milestone by entering full construction. Early site preparation, including native vegetation clearing, access road installation, and removal of the old rail embankment is complete. Civil works are underway at the Marine Intake Pump Station site, including excavation, backfilling, and construction of the pump station guide wall. Electricity cable installation by SA Power Networks in Port Lincoln is complete, and Leed continues with transfer pipeline works and vegetation clearing along the route.

Community safety remains a priority with increased truck movements expected from August. Leed is hosting a Meet the Buyer session on 31 July at the SA Water Project Delivery Office in Port Lincoln to connect with local suppliers. Water security initiatives continue across the Eyre Peninsula as our Water Security and Futures team engages with the community.

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To know more, view the latest project update.