Nanarup has been identified as the preferred location for a proposed small-scale seawater desalination plant aimed at strengthening long-term water security for Western Australia’s Lower Great Southern region.
The selection follows an extensive planning process that began in 2009 and assessed seven coastal sites between Walpole and east of Albany. Detailed multi-criteria analysis and community consultation later narrowed the options to Nanarup and Sandpatch, with Nanarup performing more strongly across technical, environmental and operational benchmarks.
State projections indicate that regional water demand is expected to exceed supply by 2030, driven by population and economic growth. By 2050, an additional 1.8 billion litres of drinking water per year will be required. Climate modelling also suggests average annual rainfall in Albany could decline by up to 21 per cent by mid-century, placing increasing pressure on dams, groundwater and river systems that currently supply the majority of the region’s potable water.
The proposed desalination facility would initially produce around 3 billion of drinking water annually, supplying Albany, Mount Barker, Kendenup and Narrikup, with capacity to support Denmark when needed. Alternative sources, including increased groundwater extraction and potable recycled water, were assessed but found insufficient to close the projected supply gap.
Nanarup’s proximity to Albany and existing infrastructure is expected to reduce pipeline length and associated impacts. Marine and shore-crossing studies indicate favourable ocean conditions for brine dispersion, while safer construction conditions contributed to its selection over Sandpatch, which was ruled out due to complex geology, steep terrain and challenging marine conditions.
The project has now entered a detailed investigation phase led by Water Corporation, including geotechnical, environmental, Aboriginal heritage, land and marine studies. Ongoing work also includes flora and fauna surveys, ecotoxicology testing, and independent scientific modelling using wave, tide and current data.
Community engagement will continue throughout the process, with further consultation planned as the project progresses toward environmental approvals and a potential construction timeframe extending to 2030.
