Site preparation works have begun on the construction of the $230 million Port Spencer Grain Port on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
The activity follows approval of an amendment to the Public Environmental Report (PER) for the project by the Planning and Local Government Minister Vickie Chapman.
The facility is expected to be ready to receive grain for the 2021 harvest to support local growers and the wider Eyre Peninsula community.
The project will create up to 150 jobs during construction and a further 20 permanent local operational jobs including employment opportunities for Barngarla community members. Operational staff numbers are expected to further peak at 80 staff during harvest.
Peninsula Ports Chief Executive Officer Greg Walters said approval of the PER amendment followed Peninsula Ports’ purchase of the land from Centrex Metals in June 2019.
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“We’re committed to delivering a new export terminal for Eyre Peninsula, free from cross contamination, which will aid in protecting the clean and green reputation of the region’s grain industry and significantly improving the competitiveness of the industry in reaching global markets,” Walters said.
“When complete the Port Spencer deep water port will enable large Panamax vessels to be loaded efficiently, cost effectively and largely irrespective of weather conditions.
“The Port Spencer facility will provide the opportunity for grower ownership and control of critical grain supply infrastructure.
“It will also have potential to manage other commodities, such as fertilisers or hydrogen. This does remain a long-term consideration and would need to be compatible with the primary purpose of clean, green local grain export at the site.”