Controversial desalination plant plans scrapped, | Enterprise & Market Information
Plans to put in a desalination plant in Albany’s King George Sound have been scrapped with all three main political events committing to canning the thought.
WA Premier Roger Prepare dinner stated on Thursday that he may “guarantee” WA Labor wouldn’t assemble a desal plant on the Frenchman Bay location proposed by Water Corp in its future water source planning for the area.
“Securing additional water supply for Albany is absolutely vital for the long-term sustainability of this community, but that can’t come at the expense of Albany’s unique and pristine environment,” he stated.
The choice comes after months of advocacy from the local people — together with the tourism, fishing and aquaculture industries and native residents — with the Albany Metropolis Council passing a movement in December asking Water Corp to research different websites.
“Sustainable water resources are vital for the future of our growing region, and while council supports desalination to secure the Great Southern’s water supply, it must be done in a location that is appropriate, which is not Frenchman Bay,” mayor Greg Shares stated.
“I applaud our community for their passionate advocacy and thank the council for standing with them to achieve the best outcome for Albany.”
Protesters’ main concern was the briny effluent that will be deposited within the Frenchman Bay basin, doubtlessly harming its delicate ecosystem and the native industries that depend on it.
Save our Sound Albany convenor Jan Pickles stated the group was “completely overwhelmed” to be taught the plans for the “ill-conceived and potentially disastrous” location have been off the desk.
“It is a great relief that King George Sound will not be used as a site for an industrial plant and that this uniquely rich and incredibly beautiful marine environment will be protected,” she stated.
“If desalination is the answer to Albany’s water supply issues, then we hope that a safer and more appropriate site can be found.”
Liberal candidate and metropolis councillor Thomas Brough, who voiced his opposition to the desal plant in December final 12 months, applauded the neighborhood for its advocacy.
“Albany is standing up, and that’s why we’re seeing results. It’s great to see the community’s voice being heard loud and clear,” he stated.
“Albany led, and Labor only followed when they realised the votes were slipping away.”
Nationals candidate Scott Leary additionally questioned the timing and stated he had “wholeheartedly opposed” the plan for months.
“The people of Albany deserve to know exactly where Labor plans to build this desal plant and how they will secure our town’s future water supply,” he stated.
The Premier thanked Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens for her advocacy on behalf of the neighborhood.
“I’ve heard the concerns from my local community and this commitment today means WA Labor will protect King George Sound,” Ms Stephens stated.
A Water Company spokesperson stated they continue to be “fully committed” to discovering a new long-term consuming water source for the Nice Southern by 2039-30 with a choice more likely to come later this 12 months.
Keep up to date with the latest news within the Australian markets! Our web site is your go-to source for cutting-edge financial news, market trends, financial insights, and updates on native trade. We offer each day updates to make sure you have entry to the freshest data on Australian stock actions, commodity costs, currency fluctuations, and key financial developments.
Discover how these trends are shaping the longer term of Australia’s financial system! Go to us commonly for essentially the most participating and informative market content material by clicking right here. Our rigorously curated articles will keep you knowledgeable on market shifts, investment methods, regulatory modifications, and pivotal moments within the Australian financial panorama.
