South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has initiated a competitive selection process for financial advisers to help secure private investment for a proposed $5 billion desalination plant.
The project aims to treat seawater for supply to large industrial users, including BHP's Olympic Dam operation, addressing critical water security needs in the region.
The government is seeking expertise on how to financially structure the facility to make it attractive to private capital markets.
This approach signals a shift toward public-private partnership models for major infrastructure projects in the state, leveraging private sector efficiency and funding to deliver essential resources.
The desalination plant is designed to provide a reliable water source for industrial operations, which are often constrained by variable rainfall and drought conditions.
By targeting large industrial users like BHP, the project ensures a stable demand base, which is crucial for securing long-term financing and operational viability.