Yindjibarndi move closer to taking over Pilbara desalination plant as WA pushes water security and local ownership
The WA Government and Rio Tinto are working with Yindjibarndi WaterCo to advance a potential acquisition of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, a project tied to housing, jobs and long-term water security in the Pilbara.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
The Cook Labor Government and Rio Tinto are working with Yindjibarndi WaterCo on a potential acquisition of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, in a deal framed as a major step for water security, housing and jobs in the Pilbara. The proposal is tied to separate non-binding agreements and remains subject to due diligence, capital raising and approval processes.
The plant, being delivered through a $1.1 billion investment by the Cook Labor Government and Rio Tinto, is designed to supply four billion litres of water each year through a long-term agreement with Water Corporation, enough to support about 10,000 homes in Karratha, Wickham, Roebourne and Point Samson. The wider project is expected to reduce pressure on the Bungaroo and Millstream aquifers, which are culturally significant to the Robe River Kuruma People and the Yindjibarndi People.
In the official statement, Premier Roger Cook said the plant was part of the government’s Seven Cities vision for regional Western Australia and would support Karratha’s growing population while helping deliver job-creating projects that diversify the local economy. He also said the government was already working with Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation to improve the Millstream aquifer’s sustainability and that Yindjibarndi WaterCo could further empower Traditional Owners while protecting culturally significant water sources.
Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli said strong resources development depends on strong partnerships and said the project could deliver lasting economic empowerment for the Yindjibarndi people while supporting critical water infrastructure for the Pilbara. Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said quality jobs and quality infrastructure sit at the heart of the Seven Cities plan and that the government would continue working with Traditional Owners to support economic opportunities across the region.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Matthew Holcz said the desalination plant is important infrastructure for the West Pilbara’s long-term water needs and noted that Yindjibarndi WaterCo had developed a compelling proposal for the plant’s future. He said the proposed transaction could create a lasting economic asset for the Yindjibarndi people while supporting the region’s water needs, and added that Rio Tinto does not need to own and operate the plant as long as it receives four gigalitres of water annually to offset abstraction from the Bungaroo aquifer.
Yindjibarndi WaterCo Chair Michael Woodley said the agreement reflects the Yindjibarndi people’s longstanding drive to protect water on Ngurra Country and build shared understanding and shared responsibility. He said the deal is another step toward self-determination by creating a secure long-term economic return and building operational capability through employment, training and contracting.
The proposed sale also reflects broader shifts in how major infrastructure is being structured in the Pilbara, with operational control expected to move to Yindjibarndi WaterCo after construction completion, subject to a binding divestment agreement and approvals. A binding deal is targeted by the end of the year, and both sides say the plant will remain central to water supply, environmental protection and regional development if the transaction proceeds.
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