A NEW grain-export port has opened on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.
The Port of Narungga, built near to the existing Wallaroo port has the capacity to process up to 500,000 tonnes of grain each year.
The harbour has been divided into two sections: Wallaroo Harbour, operated by Flinders Ports, and the new Narungga Harbour operated by T-Ports, a company specialising in transhipment operations.
The South Australian government opened the new port on Wednesday (20 November), describing it as a win for the state’s grain export industry.
The government expects the first full harvest season to see Port of Narungga export up to 360,000 tonnes of grain and support hundreds of growers from across the Yorke Peninsula. Grain will be transferred from a smaller barge vessel to larger ships offshore.
“The opening of the Port of Narungga symbolises both economic progress and cultural recognition,” SA infrastructure minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
“South Australia exports about 90 per cent of its grain via port facilities and as a key producer of wheat, barley and canola it is important that we have efficient, large-scale port infrastructure to allow us to trade on a global market.”
T-Ports CEO Nathan Kent said T-Ports’ assets are increasing competition, giving growers better access to global markets improving grain prices, supply chain efficiencies and reduced transport costs.
He also noted the significance of the port’s name; it is the first time a harbour and port in Australia have been named in honour of the traditional custodians of the sea and land.
“In developing our Port of Narungga and our Lucky Bay facilities, T-Ports has sought to meaningfully and respectfully engage with First Nations communities to hear their stories and work hand-in-hand with them to create lasting impact from the port investment,” Mr Kent said.
“We thank the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) for its valued partnership and support of T-Ports, and we acknowledge the state government for facilitating the naming of the Port of Narungga and adjoining Narungga Harbor after the Traditional Owners.”
An Indigenous Land Use Agreement between T-Ports and Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation aims to ensure ongoing income, job and training opportunities for the Narungga people.
NNAC CEO Doug Milera said the naming of the port recognises the Narungga people’s commitment to supporting the economic prosperity of the region.
“Our partnership with T-Ports has been a positive experience, built on mutual respect and a shared vision to ensure our people share in the success of the Port of Narungga because a strong port means a stronger Narungga Nation,” he said.
T-Ports also operates from a grain facility out of the Port of Lucky Bay on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula.
