Welcome to the project webpage for the proposed Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Plant Project on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean Territories.
The information contained within the webpage is derived from the SWRO Plant Project Parliamentary Standing Committee for Public Works Statement of Evidence. Refer to the PWC Process.
The project will deliver a new 200 kilolitres per day (kL/day) SWRO Plant for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands West Island community water supply. The plant will replace the use of freshwater lens located under the operating airfield. This important project will provide water security for the community, and support future economic development of the island.
The permanent SWRO Plant is planned to be operational in late 2027.
Proposed works
The scope of works includes:
- Install a new permanent 200kL/day SWRO Plant on Part Lot 100, including establishment of bores to supply the plant.
Location
The SWRO Plant will be located adjacent to the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on Sydney Highway, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, West Island. The SWRO Plant, once constructed will sustainably replace the reliance on the freshwater lens located under the operating airfield.
Project Progress to date: January 2025
- Site clearing works have been completed
- Installation of the bores to supply the plant are complete
- Supporting power upgrades are in progress with delivery forecast by late-2025
- The co-located Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project main contract has been awarded, with construction works commencing in September/October 2025. Upgrades are forecast for completion in mid-2026.
Project Delivery Update
The 2024 Approach to Market for the project was above the available budget.
The department continues to work collaboratively with the Defence Airfield Upgrade Project to manage the project impacts and align delivery. For more information Defence Airfield Upgrade Project please refer to: Cocos (Keeling)Islands Airfield Upgrade.
Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.
The department remains committed to the delivery of this vital project and ensuring a safe and sustainable public water supply.
Community engagement
Key stakeholders and residents on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands will continued to be informed of the project through articles in The Atoll, as well as a fact sheet and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
The Project Team will have direct consultation with key on-island stakeholders regarding the projects.
Public Works Committee Process
- The Project was referred in Parliament on 7 March 2023
- The Hearing was held on 21 April 2023 at Parliament House, Canberra
- The Project received expediency on 11 April 2023
- PWC report outcomes are now available PDF: 512 KB
- The Project will be reporting progress to the PWC in line with requirements
Contacts and further information
Please email any questions or queries to the Project Team at IOTSDA@infrastructure.gov.au.