In February 2016, Water. Desalination + reuse (Faversham House) reported that the Queensland government had approved a temporary desalination unit for Palm Island near Townsville. It was meant to be in place by June and to serve the community for nine months. Local media described an acute shortage on the island, with reserves at risk of running dry by late May. Mayor Alf Lacey backed the plan and raised permanent desalination as a long-term option, arguing the island had no room for several new dams.
The report showed how small island communities facing acute shortages turned to mobile desalination, which in turn opened a debate about a permanent supply.