A SHIFT in grain exports for South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is on the horizon, with the launch of the Wallaroo port project development.

The port’s grain export facility will feature steel silos with 20,500 tonnes of grain capacity, and six bunkers with a total of 240,000 tonnes of grain capacity.

Up to 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with Allied Grain Systems as the builder of the grain export facility.  

The Wallaroo project will go ahead following T-Ports’ 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,” T-Ports CEO Kieran 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.”

With construction of the port underway, Mr Carvill said the company was looking forward to being able to offer competition to grain growers in the region.

“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.

“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,” Mr 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 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.