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 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: July 2026
- The department and the Western Australian Water Corporation have been assisting and supporting the Department of Defence in the final design of the temporary SWRO, which will support the Defence runway project.
- The temporary SWRO will be installed prior to the construction of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts' permanent SWRO plant.
- Approach to Market documentation is being finalised, in preparation for a new tender process for the permanent SWRO plant.
- The co-located Waste Water Treatment Plant had the aerator installed in May 2026. Works on pits, cables and conduits will now be progressed while fabrication of the new switch room and switchboard occurs.
Project delivery update
The 2024 Approach to Market for the project was above the available budget.
The department has worked cooperatively with the Defence Airfield Upgrade Project to deliver the SWRO Plant. For more information Defence Airfield Upgrade Project please refer to: Cocos (Keeling)Islands Airfield Upgrade.
The project will be delivered in three stages.
- enabling works, the infrastructure to support the SWRO Plant (e.g. watermains, bore head works, tanks) due for commencement in the second quarter of 2026
- temporary SWRO Plant (while the permanent SWRO Plant is constructed) is forecast for completion 3rd quarter 2026
- the permanent SWRO Plant works approach to market is forecast for completion second quarter 2026.
Stages 1 and 2 will be delivered in in cooperation between Defence, the department. The final stage will be delivered by the department in partnership with Water Corporation.
Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.
The department looks forward 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
- the Project update provided on 19 January 2026
- 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.