Public consultation has opened on the Northern Water Project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), with economic modelling forecasting billions of dollars in benefits for South Australia and support for thousands of jobs across the state.

The public release of the EIS is a significant milestone for the Northern Water Project, marking an important step in the assessment of the proposed large-scale desalination plant and pipeline.

The EIS provides the community with an opportunity to review the project’s potential environmental, social and economic impacts and provide feedback to inform the next stage of planning and assessment.

The Northern Water Project proposes the construction and operation of a large-scale desalination plant at Mullaquana Station, located approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Whyalla, connecting around 400 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure to deliver a secure, climate-resilient water supply to South Australia’s Far North.

The project is subject to rigorous State and Commonwealth environmental assessment requirements, with the EIS bringing together both jurisdictions’ assessment requirements through a single process.

The EIS draws on extensive technical investigations, assessment reports, and modelling across a broad range of disciplines. It addresses the unique Upper Spencer Gulf marine and coastal environment, varied terrestrial environments across 400km of coastal, mallee, arid and sandy landscapes, cultural heritage significant to Barngala and Kokatha Traditional Owners, economic impacts associated not just with construction but also ongoing productivity, and crucial community sentiment.

Economic modelling undertaken for the EIS highlights the project’s potential to support long-term economic growth, regional development and employment opportunities across South Australia.

The modelling estimates that the Northern Water Project could increase South Australia’s economy by an average of $3.3 billion annually. It also estimates the project could support approximately 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs on average each year between 2026 and 2062, through expanded mining and industrial activity and associated supply chains.

By supporting access to a secure and climate-resilient water supply, the project has the potential to unlock opportunities for regional industries and the development of critical mineral resources that are essential to the global transition to lower-emissions technologies.

The Northern Water Project EIS is available for public review and feedback from 29 October to 11 December 2026.

Community drop-in sessions will also be held in Whyalla, Port Augusta and Roxby Downs, providing opportunities for community members to learn more about the project, speak with the project team, ask questions and understand how to make a submission.

Following this, a response document addressing issues raised during the engagement period will be prepared and made publicly available.

Community feedback will form an important part of the ongoing assessment process as the Northern Water Project progresses through its next stages of planning and evaluation.