Joanna Tucker, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

At least 1000 proposed homes across Yorke Peninsula are being delayed due to a lack of infrastructure within the SA Water network, according to Copper Coast Council.

Chief executive Dylan Strong said the issue is not unique to the Copper Coast, but delays in SA Water’s trunk upgrades are affecting local developments.

“The South Australian Government needs to expedite SA Water master planning for the Copper Coast to ensure that the capacity issues can be, and are, addressed in the next funding period 2028-2032,” Mr Strong said.

“Without this essential planning and investment from the SA Government, continued development in the Copper Coast and the very significant region we service is at risk.”

Mr Strong said there is development underway across Port Hughes, Wallaroo and Kadina.

“Ensuring that these new developments have access to essential services is paramount to their success,” he said.

The YP Country Times reported on water infrastructure issues affecting the Port Hughes housing development in October (Port Hughes water woes, YPCT 22-10-24).

Queensland developer Metacap had planned to build Riverbend — a major estate featuring 680 residential allotments, an over-50s village and a five-star motel — just south of The Dunes golf course.

During Question Time in October, Narungga MP Fraser Ellis revealed the project was being delayed due to infrastructure issues, saying Metacap had not received adequate support from SA Water.

Metacap’s managing director told the YP Country Times at the time that the company was willing to fund the infrastructure upgrades itself, with the possibility of SA Water contributing in future.

Mr Strong said construction of the proposed lifestyle village is yet to begin, with trunk upgrade delays and ongoing cost-sharing negotiations between the developer and SA Water continuing.

“For SA Water to be able to complete the trunk upgrade works needed to get development underway, there needs to be increased financial and political support from the South Australian Government,” he said.

“Council assists developers where possible to ensure that developments are sustainable, but ultimately the supply of services sits with the likes of SA Water, and liability sits with developers.”

SA Water response

An SA Water spokesperson said investigations into water and wastewater infrastructure requirements to support development across the YP are ongoing.

They said water planning had recently been conducted for the Copper Coast, with infrastructure needs clearly defined for a development in Port Hughes.

“Comprehensive planning for our major water networks that service the Yorke Peninsula is occurring during 2025.

“This will identify the upgrades required to enable development across the region by incorporating the latest growth forecasts and guide any proposed investment during our 2028-32 regulatory period.”

The spokesperson said SA Water has invested $1.5 billion into South Australia as part of the SA Government’s Housing Roadmap during the current four-year regulatory period. However, no additional funding is available for upgrades outside designated priority areas.

“We understand the important economic benefits that developments across the state will deliver and have prioritised engaging with councils and developers in areas like this to understand the specific upgrades required to our infrastructure to enable ongoing development growth,” they said.

“As is the case across our state-wide networks, developers are expected to make financial contributions to any network upgrades or expansions required to enable water or wastewater services to their development.

“This protects affordability for our existing customers by ensuring SA Water — and our broader customer base — is not subsidising any realised profits from private development.

“Should a developer want to fully fund the upgrades, we would enter into an agreement with them and undertake the work.”

They added that while the existing drinking water networks in Port Hughes meet current demand, significant augmentation is required to support large-scale developments.

Metacap was contacted for comment but did not respond by the publication deadline.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 27 May 2025.