The Water Corporation today began evaluating the tenders of two consortia bidding to win the job of designing, building and operating Western Australia's second desalination plant in Binningup.
Major Spanish desalination companies anchor the two bidders for the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant.
The Southern Seawater Alliance comprises Technicas Reundas/Valoriza, together with Sydney-based construction company AJ Lucas Ltd and international engineering company WorleyParsons.
The Aquamarine Alliance comprises Acciona Agua Australia/United Utilities Australia, together with Perth-based engineering and construction company Clough and engineering company, GHD.
Tenders closed on Thursday, with the two groups presenting an overview of their proposals for the design and operation of the desalination plant to Water Corporation staff on Friday.
The overviews addressed not only the technical elements, but also how both parties aimed to address community issues such as noise, lighting, visibility and environmental considerations other aspects such as safety.
Water Corporation spokesperson Phil Kneebone said commissioning the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant by 2011 was key to securing the state's water supplies into the future.
"The closing of tenders for the two consortia and the beginning of the evaluation phase is a major jump forward in ensuring that plant is delivered on time. We are extremely pleased that this milestone has been achieved right on target," he said.
Water Corporation is expected to be in a position to make a recommendation to the state government in mid-November on the preferred tenderer.