Northern Water

Northern Water has launched a new Community Grants program!

Open now we’re calling for submissions focusing on local community capacity building and regional enhancement.

All eligible individuals, organisations and associations who share common values, with drive and vision to enhance the social, environmental and economic outcomes in regional communities in the Upper Spencer Gulf, Eyre Peninsula and far North of South Australia can apply.

Northern Water is pleased to play a role in creating a lasting positive legacy for local communities!

Please spread the word among the community - friends, colleagues, and associates.

Round One has kicked off with grants of up to $5,000 and $10,000 available now.

Each quarter, another $30,000 round will become available.

We are building more than just an infrastructure project, we're supporting local communities in building a stronger future for the region.

Round One applications must be submitted by 6pm 31 May 2024.

To find out more head to northernwater.sa.gov.au/grants

Sponsorships

Northern Water is also seeking sponsorship opportunities. Please forward your sponsorship prospectus to northernwater@sa.gov.au

In the coming weeks we are embarking on our Community Conversations sessions where you can come and meet our team, learn more about our project and tell us what is most important to you.

During our Community Conversations, we’ll discuss our methodologies, with a focus on marine studies, project design and social impact, and share ideas together.

The initial sessions will be in Port Neill and Tumby Bay, with further session locations to come.

Register to join us, click here

Looking forward to seeing you there!

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is now undertaking formal public consultation on the Northern Project prior to the Minister for the Environment and Water (Cwth) determining what further assessment is required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The consultation closes on 21 March 2024. The project Name in the Referral is Northern Water Desalination and Pipeline Infrastructure Project and the reference number is 2023/09717. You can access the DCCEEW portal here.

On 22 February 2024 the Northern Water Business Case Summary was released to the public.

The Business Case Summary outlines the proposal, the site selection process, economic assessment, commercial model, delivery strategy and funding requirements and is now available to view and download here.

Northern Water is expected to create over 4,200 jobs and an average annual $5.2bn boost to the South Australian economy. The 260 megalitre desalination plant and 600km pipeline network to the State’s north would create a reliable water supply to enable the tripling of copper production as well as kickstarting hydrogen and green iron operations.

The initial stage of the project is estimated to cost about $5bn, with the cost being recouped via commercial water supply agreements.

Delivery of the project is to be via a design, build, operate and maintain (DBOM) model to deliver maximum speed, flexibility and cost certainty.

A Final Investment Decision (FID) is expected in the first half of 2026 following the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.

Northern Water will conduct an Industry Briefing and Business Briefing for industry, businesses, suppliers and parties with an interest in participation in the project.

The purpose of the briefings will be to provide information about the Northern Water project and the opportunities it presents. The briefings will provide an opportunity to engage during the planning phase of the project to enhance your knowledge and strategies to support your potential participation in Northern Water.

The briefings will provide information relevant to business and industry across sectors and supply chains, including the broad range of expected wrap around services to support the successful delivery of the Northern Water project.

Register here

Business Briefing – Tumby Bay

• The Business Briefing will provide information to assist local businesses, local suppliers and wrap-around support services understand how they may be able to get involved and benefit from the Northern Water project. Information regarding potential project workforce opportunities will also be presented.
• Presentation will be delivered by Northern Water and the Industry Capability Network (ICN).
• The briefing will provide an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.

Tumby Bay Event Details:

Date: 29 February 2024
Time: 7pm - 8.30pm
Location: Tumby Bay Community Centre, 7 Bratten Rd, Tumby Bay

Register here

In late January, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was gazetted as the assessment level needed for the Northern Water project planning approvals.

An EIS is the most stringent development assessment process in Australia.

Work to prepare a comprehensive EIS including assessing and evaluating environmental, social, and economic benefits and impacts before formal referral to the federal government, and public notification of the outcome.

Project Director; Mike Morgan said an important element of the EIS is to assess any potential impacts the project could have on the marine life at Cape Hardy.

“A series of rigorous environmental investigations based on scientifically robust historical and current data, will guide an informed decision on whether to proceed with construction of the project,” he said.

“Current studies include marine ecology surveys, marine water quality studies, flora and fauna surveys, underwater noise and vibration studies, and marine hydrodynamic modelling, and many others.

“Scientists and technical experts will be on site and in the water over the coming months gathering this essential information to help inform the environmental assessments.

“We’re committed to minimising the environmental impacts of the project, and this baseline data will play an important role in shaping the impact assessment, designing a sustainable long-term environmental monitoring program, and establishing benchmarks to ensure minimal environmental impacts.

“Where impacts can’t be avoided, we’re actively exploring opportunities for offsetting or achieving a positive environmental impact,” said Mr Morgan.

“Northern Water remains committed to ongoing community involvement in the project and fostering environmentally and socially responsible practices.

“Cultural heritage and native title agreements with Traditional Owners will be a key part of project consent and the way the project can positively address the water needs of the region.”

“It’s really important for us to hear the concerns and ideas of those who’ll benefit from or might be affected by the project. The best ways for people to share their thoughts is through our YourSAy page or by email,” said Mr Morgan.

“And of course, people are welcome to stop by for a chat when they see us out and about in the community.”