Alkimos desalination project milestone securing WA's water future

• Major step in $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant reached with barge arrival
• Stage 1 of project will deliver 50 billion litres of drinking water, strengthening long-term water security
• More than 1,500 local jobs supported, injecting $1.1 billion into WA economy
• Cook Government diversifying the economy so it remains strongest in the nation

Construction of the Cook Government's $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant (ASDP) has reached another significant step with the arrival of Australia's largest registered jack‑up barge.

The specialist vessel, Beverley, will support a critical phase of this major infrastructure project, which is central to securing Western Australia's long‑term water future.

Roughly the size of one and a half Olympic‑sized swimming pools, the barge stands on 78‑metre legs and will install the ocean intake and outfall structures above the seabed.

These structures will connect to the underground pipelines currently being bored by tunnel boring machines, eventually bringing seawater into the plant (intake) and returning the brine safely back to the ocean (outfall).

Two specialised floating platforms, known as jack‑up barges, are being used to complete this work. The smaller support barge will depart this month, while Beverley will continue operations at the outfall location until marine works conclude in mid‑2026.

Beverley features an 8‑tonne‑per‑square‑metre deck load capacity, a 400‑tonne crane, a helideck and accommodation for more than 50 workers, enabling 24/7 operations to keep construction on schedule.

The vessel's arrival marks the latest advancement in a project that will deliver 50 billion litres of drinking water to more than 2.5 million Western Australians as part of Stage 1, easing pressure on climate‑affected groundwater sources.

The ASDP is also providing strong economic benefits, supporting more than 1,500 local jobs and injecting $1.1billion into the WA economy, including $65million in contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses.

With major tunnelling, pipeline and site works well advanced, the ASDP, being delivered under strict environmental conditions, remains on track to be fully operational by mid‑2028.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"Western Australia's economy is the strongest in the nation - which means our State's population is also the fastest growing in the nation, too.

"That's why my government is working to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live in WA, can enjoy a high standard of services and infrastructure, which includes a sustainable supply of water.

"The arrival of Australia's largest barge is a critical step for the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant.

"It demonstrates my government's commitment to supporting job-creating projects which will help support our State's growing population."

Comments attributed to Water Minister Don Punch:

"Securing Western Australia's long‑term water future remains one of the Cook Government's highest priorities, and this project will deliver the resilient water supply our communities will rely on for decades to come.

"This major investment is strengthening our State on two fronts by providing the water security we need for the future while creating valuable local jobs that support families and drive economic growth.

"As we progress this critical project, we are not only safeguarding a reliable water supply for generations, we are also ensuring Western Australians benefit now through sustained employment and strong local industry participation. It's an investment that supports local workers today and strengthens our resilience for the future."

Comments attributed to Butler MLA Lorna Clarke:

"The Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant is an incredibly important investment in our region, securing WA's water future and supporting over 1,500 local jobs.

"Projects like this bring real economic benefits to our community, and I'm proud to back this Cook Government initiative that's creating opportunities now while protecting our water supply for the years ahead."