Dear Editor,
The proposed Billy Lights Point desalination plant continues to raise serious environmental concerns. SA Water has now applied for permission to clear marine native vegetation in Boston Bay to construct a pipeline. This pipeline would extend 360 metres from Billy Lights Point, with an additional 400 metres leading to the brine and chemical diffuser. It is not difficult to see the potential for significant pollution in the bay.
The application provides only a basic overview of marine life based on video sampling, which fails to capture smaller species. The construction work will likely cause substantial sedimentation, which tides will disperse throughout the bay, posing a major threat to aquaculture and recreational fishing. While the report claims the “footprint” is just 0.5253 hectares, it ignores the wider impact of sediment smothering
seagrass beds over a much larger area.
This is yet another SA Water report designed to suit its purpose—downplaying risks, omitting independent monitoring, and disregarding protected species. SA Water continues to argue that the plant is essential for water security (which has never been disputed), but fails to admit that this is about choosing the cheapest option and masking years of inaction. Notably, the independent site selection committee did not
recommend Billy Lights Point as a suitable location.
Despite this, SA Water presses ahead. The latest report, dated 9 December 2025, includes an offset payment of $20,826.26 to the Native Vegetation Fund. Section 4.4, Part C bluntly states: “Rehabilitation of the marine environment is not practical and is not proposed.”
Boston Bay and Port Lincoln are being treated as expendable, and the community is left to endure government gaslighting.
Glen Ingham, Port Lincoln
