The Wallaroo port project development has been officially launched today, signalling a shift in grain exports for Yorke Peninsula and Mid North grain growers.
T-Ports, who has provided innovation to the Eyre Peninsula grain supply chain through the introduction of its transhipment port at Lucky Bay and upcountry sites at Lock and Kimba, has now received final development approvals for the Wallaroo development.
T-Ports Chief Executive Officer Kieran Carvill said the company was also proud to announce the successful negotiation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation.
“We look forward to building a strong partnership with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation and bringing development and career opportunities to the traditional landowners,” Mr Carvill said.
“All businesses need to recognise that native title needs to be taken seriously and at T-Ports, we are actively working to develop a culture of respect and inclusion.”
Mr Carvill said with construction underway, the company was looking forward to being able to offer growers competition.
“The port at Wallaroo is the logical next step in the T-Ports journey and we’re excited to see the opportunities for Yorke Peninsula growers after witnessing the significant returns delivered to Eyre Peninsula growers this past harvest,” he said.
“There are efficiencies and cost savings in building this port on the opposite side of the Spencer Gulf to Lucky Bay as we will use the same transhipment vessel, the MV Lucky Eyre.
“We’re looking forward to offering competition for growers in the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North regions and delivering supply chain savings.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the new port will be a game changer for local growers.
“The new port has been in planning for a long time and to see construction starting is a fantastic milestone,” Minister Basham said.
“The new port will be warmly welcomed by Yorke Peninsula and Mid North grain growers and it will be ready to receive grain in time for the 2022/23 harvest.”
Mr Carvill thanked the Copper Coast Council for their “unerring support and patience” as the development progressed.
“We also want to thank the South Australian Government for the work they have done in supporting both Lucky Bay and this Wallaroo development,” he said.
The grain export facility will feature steel silos with 20,500 tonnes of grain capacity and a 500-metre rock causeway with grain conveyed to a ship loader for loading onto the transhipment vessel. A bunker site will feature six bunkers with a total of 240,000 tonnes of grain capacity. T-Ports will be ready to receive grain for the 2022/23 harvest.
“We are pleased to welcome Allied Grain Systems as the builder of the grain export facility,” Mr Carvill said.
“We expect up to 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase.”
