– Onslow to host regional WA’s first public drinking water desalination plant
– $94 million initiative to enhance water security in the region
– Project to create local jobs and support economic development
– Reflects Cook Government’s commitment to securing regional water supplies
Regional Western Australia’s first public seawater desalination plant is being developed in Onslow as part of a $94 million initiative by the Cook Government and Water Corporation to secure the town’s long-term drinking water supply.
The plant will have the capacity to produce 1.5 million liters of climate-resilient drinking water daily, meeting future demand that is expected to double by 2045. This project will reduce the Pilbara community’s reliance on the recently upgraded Cane River bore field, which depends 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.
Funding of more than $68 million has been provided by the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project under a long-standing State Development Agreement, which requires 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, improving its reliability with enhancements such as a pump station upgrade, a new power station, and electrical supply to enable remote operation.
The contract to design and construct the desalination plant was awarded to Guidera O’Connor in late 2023, while the 2.5 km pipeline connecting the plant to storage tanks along Onslow Road will be delivered by north-west Aboriginal business Kimberley Civil and Drainage.
The project is expected to create more than 300 jobs during construction, with over 10 percent of the contract value 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, supporting growing communities.
For more information on the Onslow Seawater Desalination Plant project, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/onslow.
Premier and State and Industry Development, Jobs, and Trade Minister Roger Cook said: “Water security is fundamental to economic development, which is why my Government is committed to delivering projects that 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.”
Water Minister Simone McGurk added: “Once operational, the plant will provide up to 1.5 million liters of safe drinking water daily, meeting the needs of the growing community. In securing the town’s long-term water supply, this plant, alongside recent upgrades to the Cane River bore field, will support the community economically and socially for years to come. Importantly, it will reduce Onslow’s dependence on groundwater alone, providing a climate-independent source to supplement the town’s supply.”
Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster stated: “The Cook Government continues to prioritize projects that support growing communities in the Pilbara, including 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 the opportunities it will bring to local contractors and suppliers during construction.”
Chevron Australia Managing Director Mark Hatfield commented: “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 toward making the Onslow water infrastructure upgrade and Seawater Desalination Plant a reality, securing the town’s drinking water supply for the future. Contributing to social and critical infrastructure in the communities where we operate ensures the town and the region continue to thrive, making a positive difference for the people of Onslow.”
