Sound, open and robust debate about the planning and implementation of large-scale seawater desalination plants in Australia is somewhat clouded by political rhetoric, cliched phrases, myths and "seize the momentum" media headlining. In justifying the decision to go with large-scale seawater desalination projects, leaders and planners have used superior cost, public acceptance and safety, climate/rainfall independent water resource, acceptable environmental impact, fast delivery and proven technology to substantiate their case. However this has resulted in the discounting, or deferring, of other options.rnThe key aim of the paper will be to bring to the surface the underlying challenges and opportunities facing large-scale seawater desalination plants in the hope of raising awareness and fostering genuine, informed and transparent debate in the planning and implementation of future seawater desalination projects.
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