We draw the attention of your Honourable House to the recent proposal by SA Water to establish a desalination plant at Billy Light’s Point, Port Lincoln. We understand the need to supplement Eyre Peninsula’s water supply but we propose the location is highly unsuitable for a number of valid reasons. Port Lincoln is famous as the Seafood Aquaculture capital of Australia. The bays surrounding the city are a critical habitat for a number of fish species and supporting food sources. Any disruption to the existing eco-systems could have a significant detrimental effect, not just on the environment, but to the seafood aquaculture industry and economy of Port Lincoln. We are not satisfied that the potential impacts could be managed to mitigate any potential long-term and irreversible impacts on the environment, local businesses and the community.

Your petitioners request that your Honourable House will urge the
Government to reconsider the proposal from SA Water to construct a Desalination Plant at Billy Light’s Point, Port Lincoln and identify an alternative site with greater current flows and water exchange.