A historic, state-building project that will boost South Australia's economy, create jobs and deliver a long-term sustainable water source in the state's north is one step closer to reality.
The Australian and South Australian governments have committed $15 million for a business case to take the Northern Water Supply project forward and further secure the state's water future.
Among the options being considered is a desalination plant located in the Upper Spencer Gulf, which would reduce water reliance on the Great Artesian Basin and the River Murray.
If construction proceeds, the project could support up to 8,000 construction jobs and up to 6,000 ongoing jobs once operating.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said delivering a secure and sustainable water source in the region would drive the growth of regional communities and industries.
"The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to delivering the water infrastructure South Australians need and we are getting the job done," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Our $5 million investment builds on the state's $10 million commitment to progress a business case that will inform the future direction of this much-needed project.
"A safe, reliable and sustainable water source will improve water security, create jobs and help unlock the economic potential of new and expanded opportunities for businesses in the state's north.
"Since 2015, the Australian Government has committed more than $75 million from National Water Grid Fund towards projects in South Australia.
"This includes projects supporting premium grape production in McLaren Vale, water security for farmers on the Coolanie Plains, and new water for agribusinesses through the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme."
Mines in northern South Australia rely on these sources for their groundwater, which can be expensive to extract and can be affected by salinity and other water quality issues.
Previous attempts to provide a sustainable water supply to this vast region have not been successful because they have lacked a strong customer base.
To support the business case, the SA Government has entered into a MOU with SA Water, BHP and Oz Minerals to progress the projects and address the regions water needs.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said this was why it has been important for the Government to play a coordinating role to bring together a range of potential customers to make this project possible.
He said the Northern Water Supply project has the potential to create thousands of jobs throughout South Australia.
"This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a brighter future for South Australia and create jobs in an environmentally sustainable way," Premier Marshall said.
"We are always looking for ways to ensure we are using water efficiently because ongoing and secure access to water is integral to economic growth and regional communities rely on industry for jobs, community strength and resilience.
"A desalination plant is an option we will investigate to provide a sustainable and sufficient water supply to support many industries, including the burgeoning hydrogen industry, mining, horticulture, pastoral, agriculture sectors and the transition to green steel.
"To be able to partner with some of South Australia's biggest companies to decrease reliance on our finite water resources and future-proof our state in a changing climate is really pleasing."
Premier Marshall thanked all the parties, including the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, for their dedicated work to make today's announcement possible.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the expansion of the resources industry in the north of the state was a reality and not some dream in the far-off future.
"South Australia already relies heavily on the resources industry and water is an essential ingredient to mine, concentrate and process our product," Mr Ramsey said.
"Currently, this water is sourced from either the Great Artesian Basin or the Murray River, and trying to extract more from these sources is not environmentally sound.
"We are well aware of the long-term issues with the Murray and the Great Artesian Basin is a national treasure which is vital to our traditional grazing industries and small communities that continue to thrive in our harsh environment.
"While we know the basin replenishes, it is an incredibly slow process and maintaining the pressure in the basin is of paramount importance. Simply, we cannot continue to grow the resources industry without finding a new source of water.
"It is encouraging that our two biggest players in the industry, BHP and OZ Minerals, recognise the need and are part of the MOU. Desalination would seem the obvious answer, but there will be a whole lot of community concerns which will need to be addressed along the way. This project will do that."
Infrastructure Australia has recognised the importance of a new sustainable water source to improve water resilience and increase water supply to the northern parts of South Australia.
