Known for its barramundi fishing and a big pink pub, the Balla Balla River in the remote Pilbara could become home to a $5 billion water desalination plant, the largest in Western Australia.
Ngaruluma Aboriginal Corporation is set to partner with water infrastructure developer Legacie and French energy giant, Suez, having set up private company Ngarluma Water to deliver the project.
Their aim is to build a 150-gigalitre seawater desalination plant at Balla Balla, about 1,600 kilometres north of Perth.
Legacie managing director Daniel Lambert said traditional owners deserved to generate wealth from the projects developed in the region, on their country.
He said Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation had equity, an Indigenous Land Use Agreement and a voice at the table.
Pilbara a 'thirsty region'
If successful, Ngarluma Water would build the largest desalination plant in the Western Australia, 50 per cent bigger than desalination facilities in Perth.
Mr Lambert said the Pilbara was an "incredibly thirsty" region.
"It's thirsty to supply resources, it's thirsty to supply upcoming projects around hydrogen and green steel manufacturing, it's thirsty to supply the growing communities we've heard about, and it's thirsty in terms of potential for the agricultural industry," he said.
"In order to meet that thirst, water is absolutely critical."
Balla Balla River has been the site of a number of proposals by industry yet to come to fruition, including a billion dollar iron ore project and export facility by BBI Group.
There was also an environmental investigation during 2019 after possible chemical leaks from the nearby Whim Creek Copper Project.
Mr Lambert said the river was ideally situated for the infrastructure, having access to sea water and proximity to the Maitland and Boodarie Strategic Industrial Areas.
"We're talking to multiple off-takers about how to participate in this project," Mr Lambert said.
He said that included parties in the strategic industrial areas and beyond.
Rio Tinto last year announced its own desalination project in the West Pilbara, worth $600 million.
The Parker Point desalination facility would have initial capacity of four gigalitres each year, with the potential to double if the plant was expanded.
Mr Lambert acknowledged developing projects in the Pilbara could be challenging, but was hopeful for the plant's future.
"We are so excited about a project of this scale, delivering sustainable water, protecting the environment in terms of our groundwater resources," he said.
The Ngarluma Water project is expecting to begin construction in 2026, with first water produced in early 2029.
The partnership agreement is subject to final approval by the Ngarluma community.