• Onslow to become home to regional WA’s first public drinking water seawater desalination plant
• $94 million program to deliver water security in the region
• Project to create local jobs and support economic development
• Highlights Cook Government’s commitment to securing regional water supplies

Regional Western Australia’s first public seawater desalination plant is taking shape in Onslow under a $94 million program by the Cook Government and Water Corporation to secure the town’s long-term drinking water supply.

The plant will have the capacity to supply 1.5 million litres of climate-resilient drinking water each day and concludes a program of works to meet future demand, which is expected to double by 2045.

It will mean the Pilbara community no longer depends solely on the recently upgraded Cane River bore field, which relies on heavy rainfall and cyclonic events for recharge.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the plant will be located on the coastal side of Beadon Creek Road and is designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.

More than $68 million has been provided by the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project under a long-standing State Development Agreement requiring the company to fund projects that deliver lasting community benefits in Onslow and across the Pilbara.

Upgrades to the bore field were completed in 2023 under the Agreement to improve its reliability. The works included upgrading a pump station, a new power station and electrical supply to the bores to enable remote operation.

The contract to design and construct the desalination plant was awarded to Guidera O’Connor late last year, while the 2.5km pipeline connecting the plant to storage tanks along Onslow Road will be delivered by north-west Aboriginal business Kimberley Civil and Drainage.

It is expected more than 300 jobs will be created during construction of the plant and over 10 per cent of the contract value will be directed to local businesses.

Across regional Western Australia, the Cook Government – through Water Corporation – is working to secure community drinking water supplies impacted by climate change in support of growing communities.

For more information on the Onslow Seawater Desalination Plant project, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/onslow

Comments attributed to Premier and State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:

“Water security is fundamental to economic development, which is why my Government is committed to delivering projects to meet the future water needs of residents, businesses and industry alike.

“Co-funded under a State Development Agreement with Chevron and the Wheatstone joint venture partners, the new plant in Onslow will be the first of its kind to supply a regional community with desalinated seawater.

“This financial year, we’re investing $1.7 billion in Water Corporation projects to ensure Western Australians continue to have access to reliable water and wastewater services.”

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

“Once operational, the plant will provide up to 1.5 million litres of safe drinking water each day, to meet the needs of the growing community.

“In helping to secure the town’s long-term water security, this plant, as well as recent upgrades to the Cane River bore field, will support the community both economically and socially for many years to come.

“Importantly, it will reduce Onslow’s dependence on groundwater alone, providing a climate independent source to supplement the town’s supply.”

Comments attributed to Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:

“The Cook Government continues to prioritise projects that support growing communities in the Pilbara, and that includes here in Onslow where residents now have greater certainty and security over their future water supply.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see the close collaboration between Water Corporation, Chevron, the Shire of Ashburton, Traditional Owners and the community in getting the project shovel ready.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress and to the opportunities it will bring to local contractors and suppliers during construction.”

Comments attributed to Chevron Australia managing director Mark Hatfield:

“We’re proud to play our part in bringing water security and long-term benefits to the Onslow community through contributions made by Chevron Australia and the Wheatstone joint venture participants.

“In partnership with the WA State Government, we’ve contributed $69 million towards making the Onslow water infrastructure upgrade and Seawater Desalination Plant become a reality to secure the town’s drinking water supply into the future.

“Contributing to social and critical infrastructure in the communities in which we operate ensures the town and the region continue to thrive and makes a positive difference for the people of Onslow.”