Plans for a new desalination plant near Albany in Western Australia have been delayed, despite earlier expectations that a final site would be confirmed by the end of 2025. The Water Corporation is under pressure to secure a new drinking water source for the Lower Great Southern by 2030, when demand is projected to outstrip supply.
The region including Albany, Mount Barker, Kendenup, Denmark, and surrounding towns relies on the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme, which has been strained by declining rainfall and a growing population. These long‑term challenges prompted the Water Corporation to begin exploring seawater desalination several years ago.
Multiple Proposed Sites, Multiple Backlashes
Finding a suitable location has proven difficult:
In 2024, a proposal for a plant discharging into King George Sound at Frenchman Bay sparked strong opposition from commercial fishers, aquaculture operators, and tourism businesses.
Critics warned that releasing highly saline brine into the sound would threaten both the environment and local industries.
In response, Premier Roger Cook ruled out Frenchman Bay as a potential site in January 2025.
By mid‑2025, the Water Corporation shifted its focus to Nanarup and Sandpatch as alternative locations but both communities have also pushed back.
Community Resistance Growing
An e‑petition calling for Nanarup to be removed from the shortlist has already gathered more than 700 signatures, underscoring the area’s environmental, cultural, and social importance to locals.
With no final site selected and community resistance mounting, the timeline for the project is now uncertain even as the region moves closer to a projected water shortfall.
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