An Aboriginal joint venture project has been shortlisted by the state government as a fix to Port Hedland’s water supply constraints.
An Aboriginal joint venture project has been shortlisted by the state government as a fix to Port Hedland’s short-term water supply constraints.
ASX-listed Vysarn and the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation’s Kariyarra paleochannel project would be able to supply 10 gigalitres of water per year for residential and industrial use.
The project would supply Port Hedland with groundwater from the Kariyarra paleochannel and would be monitored for sustainability by traditional owners.
Water Corporation on Tuesday selected the project partners to submit a formal request for proposal to supply bulk water to Port Hedland.
Business News is not aware of any other projects which submitted to the registration of interest.
Water Corporation is seeking up to 10 gigalitres extra of water per year from 2028 to bolster Port Hedland’s existing 14GL demand, which is sourced from borefields at the Yule and De Grey rivers.
Current capacity of the Port Hedland scheme is 18GL, and Water Corp has forecast a further 7.5GL in demand.
Those borefields are under pressure due to climate change, and water abstraction from them is causing friction among pastoralists and traditional owners.
The bulk supply request came about after Business News revealed the parlous state of water capacity in the Pilbara town had led Water Corporation to recommend against a mix-used residential development because there would not be enough water to service it.
Water Corporation said its advice was wrong one day after the story was published.
Documents released under freedom of information laws showed the agency changed its tune after communication with Water Minister Don Punch’s office.
The state government is planning to build a desalination plant in Port Hedland for long-term water security.
