The State Government announced today that an international consortium, including South Australia’s own Tonkin Consulting, will progress a proposal to develop the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) to feasibility stage.
The proposal will more than double the capacity of the existing Virginia Pipeline Scheme and use the additional 20 gigalitres of recycled water from Bolivar’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to service a major high-tech greenhouse development which has potential to create up to 5,000 jobs on Adelaide’s northern fringe.
The Spanish-led consortium will be well placed to access international market opportunities for South Australian grown produce, creating genuine, new export opportunities for the State.
The South Australian Business Chamber would expect that a major construction project of this nature will also provide opportunities for local manufacturers.
A strong advocate for the progression of the NAIS to increase sustainable exports from South Australia, the South Australian Business Chamber has been particularly keen to ensure businesses can leverage from the Northern Connector road project, which the South Australian Business Chamber primarily supported to reduce export freight costs.
Chief Executive, Nigel McBride said “The South Australian Business Chamber has long been advocating for progress on the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme and we are delighted with today’s announcement.”
“This project is a game changer to leverage South Australia’s competitive advantage in horticultural exports and, most importantly, it will create sustainable jobs,” Mr McBride said.
“The South Australian Business Chamber commends SA Water for its preparatory work on the NAIS and congratulates the successful consortium which will now develop a comprehensive feasibility study,” he said.
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Sonia Bavistock
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soniab@business-sa.com
