LNG producer Chevron has tipped more than $68 million into a state government desalination plant at Onslow, as part of a state development agreement over its Wheatstone project.
LNG producer Chevron has tipped more than $68 million into a state government desalination plant at Onslow, as part of a state development agreement over its Wheatstone project.
The investment, which covers the bulk of a $94 million initiative, is part of what the government had billed a plan to make Onslow the home of Western Australia’s first regional seawater desalination plant - despite an existing Water Corporation plant operating at Binningup, 66km south of Mandurah.
The Onslow plant is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will deliver up to 1.5 million litres of drinking water each day.
The plant had previously been scheduled for delivery in 2025.
It will complete a program of works designed to future-proof Onslow, where demand for water is expected to double by 2045.
The community currently relies on the recently upgraded Cane River borefield for its drinking water, leaving it reliant on heavy rainfall and cyclonic events for supply.
The borefield was upgraded in 2023, with Chevron again footing the bill.
"Once operational, the plant will provide up to 1.5 million litres of safe drinking water each day, to meet the needs of the growing community,” Water Minister Simone McGurk said.
"In helping to secure the town's long-term water security, this plant, as well as recent upgrades to the Cane River bore field, will support the community both economically and socially for many years to come.
"Importantly, it will reduce Onslow's dependence on groundwater alone, providing a climate independent source to supplement the town's supply."
Chevron managing director Mark Hatfield said the LNG producer was proud to be able to contribute to the local community.
"In partnership with the WA state government, we've contributed sixty-nine million dollars towards making the Onslow water infrastructure upgrade and seawater desalination plant become a reality to secure the town's drinking water supply into the future,” he said.
"Contributing to social and critical infrastructure in the communities in which we operate ensures the town and the region continue to thrive and makes a positive difference for the people of Onslow."
The desalination plant will be built by Guidera O’Connor, with north-west business Kimberley Civil and Drainage to deliver a 2.5-kilometre pipeline for the facility.
