As desalination plants are proposed and developed, it is essential to integrate Indigenous cultural and heritage considerations into the planning and decision-making processes. Indigenous communities have deep connections to the land, sea, and waterways, and their knowledge, values, and rights must be respected in any infrastructure project that may impact these environments.

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This session will explore how desalination plant projects can engage Indigenous communities to ensure their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and environmental values are considered and protected. Key areas of focus will include the importance of consultation, the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in environmental impact assessments, and the development of partnerships that recognize and uphold Indigenous rights and traditions.

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The session will also examine best practices for working collaboratively with Indigenous groups to mitigate potential impacts on culturally significant sites, sacred areas, and marine ecosystems. Understanding and addressing these considerations is vital for ensuring that desalination projects are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially and culturally responsible.

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Key Topics:

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• Engaging Indigenous communities in the planning and design of desalination projects

• Cultural heritage preservation and environmental stewardship in water resource management

• The role of traditional ecological knowledge in assessing and mitigating environmental impacts

• Legal and ethical considerations in Indigenous consultation and consent processes

As mining operations in arid and water-scarce regions grow, the demand for water solutions intensifies.

Desalination offers a sustainable way to meet these demands, particularly in water-intensive industries such as mining.

 

By using seawater desalination, mining companies can secure a reliable, consistent water supply while also contributing to water resource management in regions facing freshwater shortages.

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However, the adoption of desalination in mining comes with environmental responsibilities. While desalination provides essential freshwater, it can pose significant risks to marine ecosystems if not managed properly. Brine disposal, temperature fluctuations, and potential pollution are key concerns. For mining companies, conducting thorough environmental due diligence is crucial. This involves careful planning and operational strategies to minimize the environmental impact of desalination processes, particularly on marine life.

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Environmental due diligence includes:

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• Adopting energy-efficient desalination technologies to reduce carbon footprints and minimize energy consumption.

• Implementing responsible brine disposal methods to ensure that brine is diluted and discharged in a way that mitigates its impact on marine ecosystems.

• Ensuring compliance with regulations related to water quality, discharge standards, and environmental protection.

• Balancing operational needs with ecological responsibility, ensuring that mining activities don’t exacerbate water scarcity or harm surrounding marine environments.

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This session will explore the role of desalination in mining, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental due diligence practices to ensure the sustainability of both mining operations and local ecosystems.

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As climate change continues to influence water availability and resource management, Western Australia faces increasing pressure to adapt its water management strategies.

 

The "Guide to Future Climate Projections for Water Management in Western Australia" is a comprehensive, step-by-step decision support tool designed to assist water planners, scientists, and decision-makers in assessing the potential impacts of climate change on water resources.

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This guide provides a practical framework for selecting and applying climate projections, focusing on a risk-based approach to evaluating climate impacts. It aims to help stakeholders understand how to integrate climate projections into water planning, ensuring long-term sustainability despite growing environmental challenges.

 

The guide also highlights the importance of using the Bureau of Meteorology’s National Hydrological Projections for the most accurate and up-to-date climate projections, until WA's Climate Science Initiative releases the next generation of projections.

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This session will introduce attendees to the updated guide, explain the contemporary approach to climate impact assessment, and provide actionable insights on how to use this tool in practice.

 

Attendees will gain an understanding of the latest developments in climate projections, the importance of integrating climate data into water planning, and how to navigate the complexities of climate risk when making informed decisions about water management.

 

This session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to use the "Guide to Future Climate Projections for Water Management in Western Australia" effectively, enhancing their ability to adapt water systems to future climate conditions.

The West Pilbara region, including towns such as Karratha, Wickham, Dampier, Roebourne, and others, is facing challenges in ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply in the coming decades.

 

Climate change impacts, combined with projected population growth and potential regulatory changes, necessitate the identification of a new drinking water source. The Water Corporation is currently exploring solutions, with seawater desalination being the most viable option to meet future demands.

This session will delve into the ongoing water source planning for West Pilbara, exploring the role of seawater desalination in providing a climate-resilient, reliable, and safe drinking water supply. The session will focus on the planning, stakeholder engagement, environmental and heritage considerations, and the challenges of implementing desalination technology in the region.

Key Takeaways:

•    Overview of the current water supply for West Pilbara and the challenges posed by climate change and future demand.
•    Detailed analysis of the planning process for a new water source, including the potential role of seawater desalination.
•    Understanding the environmental, cultural, and operational considerations in developing a desalination plant.
•    Insights into community and stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure sustainable and culturally sensitive project development.
•    Discussion on the long-term benefits of desalination, such as resilience to climate change, meeting growing demand, and supporting regional development.

Session Goals:
•    To inform Delegates of the water scarcity challenges facing West Pilbara and the steps being taken to address these through desalination technology.
•    To facilitate discussion on how the community, government, and industry can work together to ensure sustainable water management in the region.
•    To gather feedback on concerns or suggestions for the proposed desalination plant and broader water planning.

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This session will delve into the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) assessment and recommendations for the Mackay Sulphate of Potash Project, a significant resource development proposal located at Lake Mackay, Western Australia. The discussion will focus on how environmental assessments, particularly over long durations (more than five years in this case), are integral to identifying and mitigating the biodiversity impacts of large-scale industrial projects.

 

The impact of the proposed development on the region's delicate ecosystems, especially endangered species like the night parrot, greater bilby, and great desert skink, will be explored.

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This session will cover:

• The assessment process used by the EPA, including public consultation and submission responses from Agrimin Ltd.

• Biodiversity conservation in areas where resource extraction and renewable energy infrastructure are proposed.

• Mitigation measures designed to minimize environmental harm, particularly regarding the habitat fragmentation of critical species.

• Key environmental concerns associated with salt lake operations, including the solar evaporation ponds and the development of the haul road for transporting the fertiliser.

• Lessons learned and best practices for managing large resource projects in sensitive environments.

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The session will highlight how strict regulatory conditions and collaborative strategies with stakeholders and indigenous communities can help ensure sustainable resource extraction while protecting critical habitats and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.

BHP is nearing a historic agreement with the South Australian government to build a multibillion-dollar desalination plant in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

This project is set to support BHP's ambitious plan to increase production at its copper mines in the region by 55%. As BHP seeks to ramp up its output, a reliable and sustainable water supply becomes crucial for maintaining operations in this water-scarce area.
The desalination plant, once operational, will play a pivotal role in securing a steady freshwater supply, helping BHP meet both its operational and environmental goals. By utilizing seawater desalination, BHP is not only addressing water scarcity concerns but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of its copper division.

 

The investment will allow BHP to increase its production capacity to over 500,000 tonnes of copper per year while minimizing the environmental impact of its water consumption.

This session will explore the key aspects of this partnership, focusing on the technological, economic, and environmental considerations that underpin the desalination project. It will highlight the importance of collaboration between the mining industry and government agencies to ensure a sustainable future for both industrial growth and water resource management in the region.

Who Should Attend:
•    Mining executives and operations managers, especially those in copper and resource sectors
•    Water resource planners, engineers, and sustainability professionals
•    Government representatives and policymakers in the energy and mining sectors
•    Environmental consultants and stakeholders focused on water resource management

•    Investors and analysts focused on mining sector growth and sustainability

As Australia ramps up its renewable energy investment for 2024-25, hydropower is positioned as a key player in supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

 

Hydropower projects, both large and small, will contribute to energy storage, distribution, and security, complementing intermittent solar and wind energy.

 

This session will explore the role of hydropower in Australia's renewable energy landscape, focusing on the infrastructure developments, environmental considerations, and long-term benefits of investing in water-powered energy solutions.

Key topics include:

•    The development of hydropower infrastructure in Australia, focusing on existing dam refurbishments and new hydropower facilities.
•    The synergies between hydropower and other renewable energy sources like solar and wind, ensuring a stable, reliable energy supply.
•    The environmental benefits of hydropower, from providing essential water management and flood control to supporting biodiversity.
•    The role of hydropower in energy security, enhancing grid stability and complementing renewable sources by balancing supply and demand.
•    Economic opportunities driven by hydropower investments, including job creation in regional and rural areas, and the potential for hydropower projects to attract domestic and international investment.

 

Delegates will gain insights into how hydropower can help Australia achieve energy independence, meet its climate targets, and ensure a stable and sustainable water and energy future.

As climate change continues to influence water availability and resource management, Western Australia faces increasing pressure to adapt its water management strategies.

 

The "Guide to Future Climate Projections for Water Management in Western Australia" is a comprehensive, step-by-step decision support tool designed to assist water planners, scientists, and decision-makers in assessing the potential impacts of climate change on water resources.

​

This guide provides a practical framework for selecting and applying climate projections, focusing on a risk-based approach to evaluating climate impacts. It aims to help stakeholders understand how to integrate climate projections into water planning, ensuring long-term sustainability despite growing environmental challenges.

 

The guide also highlights the importance of using the Bureau of Meteorology’s National Hydrological Projections for the most accurate and up-to-date climate projections, until WA's Climate Science Initiative releases the next generation of projections.

​

This session will introduce attendees to the updated guide, explain the contemporary approach to climate impact assessment, and provide actionable insights on how to use this tool in practice.

 

Attendees will gain an understanding of the latest developments in climate projections, the importance of integrating climate data into water planning, and how to navigate the complexities of climate risk when making informed decisions about water management.

 

This session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to use the "Guide to Future Climate Projections for Water Management in Western Australia" effectively, enhancing their ability to adapt water systems to future climate conditions.