DCN ventures beyond the bright lights of the big city to catch up with some of Australia’s integral regional ports and highlight their current projects and initiatives
AUSTRALIA boasts a coastline measuring over 66,000 kilometres, the sixth-largest in the world, which is home to ports and terminals of all sizes, with each offering a range of services and infrastructure. Beyond the bright lights of big city ports like Melbourne or Brisbane, Australia’s regional ports work equally hard to stay ahead of the curve, forming an important link in the country’s maritime chain. DCN caught up with just some of these regional ports for a look at their operations which often fly under the radar, and spotlight a number of exciting infrastructure projects currently underway.
Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, the island state of Tasmania’s prosperity depends on staying connected, resilient, and ready for what’s next.
TasPorts is the state-owned company that manages 11 marine ports, one airport, marine services, a freight shipping line and a range of export terminals in the state.
In 2023–24, more than 14.2 million tonnes of freight moved through Tasmanian ports, accounting for 99% of the state’s trade.
TasPorts’ chief executive office Anthony Donald told DCN the company’s role is about managing the effective movement of freight and preparing Tasmania’s port system for the next generation of trade, industry, and technology.
“Global trade is being reshaped by disruption, from geopolitical tensions and energy transitions to climate shocks and digital innovation,” Mr Donald said.
“Risks that once seemed isolated now thread through every link in the supply chain.
"For Tasmania, whose economy is tightly bound to international markets, adaptability is essential.”
TasPorts’ statewide, integrated model helps enable smarter coordination, flexible asset use and system-wide resilience.
While container volumes have seen modest growth through the north, Tasmania’s exporters are pushing into new markets. In the year to December 2024, exports to Vietnam rose by 36.7% and to Indonesia by 24.4%, driven by demand for non-ferrous metals, dairy, and seafood.
Mr Donald said that as the state’s export profile shifts, TasPorts is designing ports not just for today, but for tomorrow, with the flexibility to accommodate changing vessel sizes, cargo types and market directions.
“TasPorts is delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programs of any regional port system in Australia, with major upgrades underway across its northern, southern and industrial ports,” he said
At Devonport, a transformative upgrade is underway to expand freight capacity, improve safety and future-proof the port for larger vessels and higher cargo volumes.
The project, which is being delivered by both TasPorts and its port partners, includes new berths, enhanced cargo handling zones, and upgraded control systems to better manage vessel movement and reduce bottlenecks, which is vital for freight customers like SeaRoad and the Spirit of Tasmania.
To the north, Bell Bay is being positioned as a key enabler for green industry through the proposed development of the Bass Strait Renewable Energy Terminal.
This major new project will support the import of wind turbine components and hydrogen infrastructure to power not just Tasmania’s clean energy ambitions, but support the national transition towards renewable energy generation. TasPorts describe it as “infrastructure to support a decarbonised economy”.
At Burnie, TasPorts is leading the Burnie Gateway project, a long-term plan to redevelop port lands and upgrade facilities to support larger ships, improved intermodal transport, and better integration with the surrounding freight network.
As a key link in Bass Strait trade and energy project logistics, Burnie is being reconfigured to support growth across mining, forestry, energy and manufacturing sectors. TasPorts and Strait Link have also reached an important milestone, with a non-binding Heads of Agreement executed in early May for a long-term lease extension at the Port of Burnie’s Terminal 4. This agreement paves the way for Strait Link to continue operating for up to 30 years at the port, providing some long-term certainty for Tasmanian industry and trade.
In the south, Hobart’s evolution as a science and exploration hub is being supported through the redevelopment of the Macquarie Wharves 4, 5, and 6. This includes upgrades to wharf infrastructure, berths and port services to better support Antarctic research vessels, supply missions, and long-range expeditions - reinforcing Tasmania’s global leadership in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science, in addition to further enhancing trade, cargo and cruise capabilities.
Mr Donald said the projects are part of a coordinated, future-focused blueprint to ensure Tasmania’s ports can support emerging industries, expand trade partnerships and stand up to the challenges of a changing climate.
“However, we also know that with greater complexity comes greater risk, and at TasPorts we see risk not as a constraint, but as a foundation for agile trade,” he said.
The organisation manages risk across four key domains: operational, environmental, security and market. This includes everything from emergency response and scenario planning to cyber security and climate adaptation.
TasPorts’ leadership in environmental risk management has been formally recognised, with EcoPorts certification now achieved at Devonport, Bell Bay, Burnie, and Hobart. The certification strengthens Tasmania’s ability to trade with markets that increasingly demand environmental credentials, not just as a compliance measure, but as a competitive edge.
Because on an island where almost everything moves through a port, future-preparedness is simply essential Anthony Donald, TasPorts CEO
Mr Donald said TasPorts knows that building for the future means investing in people as well as infrastructure.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Australian Maritime College (AMC) and other institutions to support training and pathways into careers across marine services, engineering, logistics and operations,” he said.
“As ports become more digital and more complex, Tasmania is equipping its future workforce with the right skills, and creating opportunities for experienced professionals to work across a network of ports and major projects in one of Australia’s most dynamic maritime systems.
“From pilotage and tug operations to major infrastructure and technology rollouts, TasPorts offers scale, diversity and purpose for those seeking a career in the port sector.”
Looking to the future, Mr Donald said that it was important ports don’t just plan for the next budget cycle, but for the next half century.
“It’s why we’re focusing on a bold vision and strategy to anticipate future freight flows, new shipping technologies, climate risk and emerging industries,” he said.
“It’s about building adaptability into Tasmania’s port network so it can evolve as fast as the global economy does.
“Whether it’s sea-level rise, hydrogen exports, or artificial intelligence in vessel traffic management, we are preparing TasPorts now so Tasmania stays confidently connected into the future. Because on an island where almost everything moves through a port, future-preparedness is simply essential.”
Back on the mainland, DCN caught up with Flinders Ports, South Australia’s leading port operator, responsible for seven ports, six of which could be considered regional. Flinders Ports spoke about some of the services and industries these ports cater for, to give DCN’s readers a brief overview of each port’s day-to-day work, as well as any current projects.
Port Lincoln
On Eyre Peninsula’s south eastern coast, 682 kilometres by road from Adelaide, Flinders Ports said Port Lincoln is one of South Australia’s busiest ports.
With a population of just over 17,000, Port Lincoln serves as a picturesque regional centre and an economic hub.
As the seafood capital of South Australia, Port Lincoln is known for its aquaculture industry – in particular Southern Bluefin Tuna and Kingfish – its natural harbour sheltering its commercial fishing fleet.
Port Lincoln is arguably South Australia’s most important regional port, servicing thriving aquaculture, agriculture and mining industries. As an Eyre Peninsula hub, 50% of the state’s wheat, barley, and oilseed is grown and harvested in its catchment.
A deep-water harbour, Port Lincoln services large container ships, cruise ships and fishing vessels.
With cruise ships increasingly calling, use of the port is diversified and serves multiple purposes, including handling dry and liquid bulk. Principal imports include petroleum products, gas and fertiliser.
A state rich in mineral deposits, with mining predominately in the state’s north, Port Lincoln serves as a receivals point for mining and renewables equipment, and infrastructure for energy projects.
During Financial year 2025, FPH spent more than $1 million on upgrades at Port Lincoln, including security, communications, asphalting of road areas and fendering and is budgeting to spend more than $3 million this coming financial year. This expenditure continues to support the terminal’s wharf infrastructure, material handling and cleaning equipment, security cameras and accommodation facilities.
Port Giles
Port Giles sits on the eastern side of Yorke Peninsula, approximately 110km as the crow flies to Outer Harbor.
Established in 1970 to export grain and seeds from southern Yorke Peninsula, Port Giles is a tidal port with a 340-metre long jetty able to serve Panamax-sized ships. Originally built to handle bulk grain, the port replaced smaller sites which were only able to service small ketches and coastal steam ships.
Along with Wallaroo, the port serves farmers across Yorke Peninsula and up to the Mid North and also hosts grain storage silos operated by Viterra. Its principal exports include grain, legumes, and oilseeds.
When South Australia’s farming regions are thriving, Flinders Ports say its facilities, such as Port Giles, get busier.
During financial year 2025, Flinders Port Holdings spent more than $600,000 on upgrades at Port Giles, including two structures, security and remediation works, and is budgeting to spend more than $6 million this coming financial year.
These upgrades follow on from close to $5 million worth of upgrades undertaken in late 2020, which included upgrades to the port terminal’s bulk loading plant, electrical equipment, end of wharf repairs, steel storage bins and installing new CCTV for employees to monitor safety, security and the wharf conveyor system.
Port Pirie
A 223-kilometre drive north of Adelaide, sitting at the top of Upper Spencer Gulf, Port Pirie has a population of 16,000, and is a significant regional economic centre.
Port Pirie has long been an essential gateway for South Australia’s grain farmers, able to service the Mid North, Far North and Lower North if needed.
The tidal port has also served the state as an industrial settlement and is home to the Nyrstar’s multi-metals smelter, which is one of the largest smelters in the world and a large regional employer.
Port Pirie facilitates the movement of Nyrstar’s plant, coal, chemicals, lead and zinc, and concentrates.
As one of the state’s two busiest ports alongside Port Lincoln, Port Pirie has also seen an increase in commodity movements, mining equipment and energy-project infrastructure passing through its docks. With mining growing in the state’s north, use of Port Pirie’s facilities is also expected to increase for the export of minerals and the movement of infrastructure.
Earlier this year, FPH continued its expenditure on additional asphalt hardstand security upgrades and gate works, refurbishing its Berth 4 Office and undertaking sheet pile remediation works. This financial year, FPH has spent approximately $5 million with some final improvements planned in FY26 of $500,000.
Wallaroo
Wallaroo has a population of approximately 2500 people and can be reached via sea on the eastern side of Spencer Gulf, 158 kilometres north-west of Adelaide.
Settled in 1851 as a copper mining hub, Wallaroo’s first jetty was built in 1861 to carry a tramway to the Wallaroo Mine to transport copper concentrates to ships.
Since copper mining ended, the port has predominantly serviced grain farmers across the peninsula and the Mid North.
Farmers across Yorke Peninsula are known for growing grains including barley and wheat, legumes, canola, chickpeas and field peas, exported via the port. The port is also home to Spencer Gulf’s prawn fishing fleet.
As a popular holiday town, the jetty and port are fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving hotspots for locals and tourists, with a cruise ship call also booked for 2026.
To ensure safety for the port’s users, and following detailed inspections, Flinders Ports, this year, began remediation works on the Wallaroo Jetty. Those works have included repairs and remediation of timber and steel piles, structural beams, structural bracing, corbels and the concrete deck and have spent more than $4 million this financial year, with an additional $10 million planned for next financial year. Access ladders, bollard delineation and solar-powered lighting have also been added to increase safety and improve sustainability.
Klein Point
Klein Point is a single-purpose port on the south-eastern coast of Yorke Peninsula, which was established to handle shipments of limestone. Access to the port is restricted to specific users.
Klein Point is home to a limestone quarry which drives the local economy. Its limestone is primarily shipped across Gulf St Vincent to Adbri at Port Adelaide. The port facilitates annual shipments of up to 2 million tonnes of limestone. Originally built in the 1920s, Klein Point was first upgraded in the 1960s and has seen several improvements to bring it up to current standards over the decades.
FPH spent $5.8 million to refurbish the bulk handling port, aiming to repair and extend the operational life of the jetty. Works included removing and replacing concrete structures beneath the jetty. Protecting the environment is paramount. FPH collaborated with the EPA to implement comprehensive debris containment and removal systems to ensure no waste entered the marine environment during works.
A major project is being reviewed for final approval, which will see more than $10 million spent at Klein Point next financial year to upgrade the wharf for a larger supply ship, further supporting the port’s long-term future.
Thevenard
The deep sea port at Thevenard lies 793 kilometres west of Adelaide and three kilometres from Ceduna, which has a population of more than 4000 people.
Sitting beside Viterra’s regional terminal, Thevenard serves Eyre Peninsula’s farming community, facilitating exports of grain – primarily wheat mineral sands, gypsum and salt, along with a growing fishing industry, including prawn trawling and recreational fishing.
Three trains of bulk gypsum arrive daily from the Lake MacDonnell mine, 65 kilometres to the west. Owned by Gypsum Resources Australia, the port ships about 3.5 million tonnes annually.
Iluka Resources exports close to 300,000 tonnes of zircon concentrate from Thevenard, which is transported via road from its Jacinth Ambrosia Mine, 270km away.
As an isolated community, Thevenard is essential to Ceduna and farming towns nearby. It also serves as a refuelling site for ships.
Completed in 1920, Thevenard was the first concrete jetty in South Australia. The existing structure – which now reaches 235 metres – has undergone improvements over the past five years, including widening of the deck, installation of craneage points, beam and slam demolition and new piles and structural steel supports added.
This financial year, more than $500,000 has been invested to support roads, hardstand, radios, building and navigational aids. An additional $1.5 million is planned as continued investment for next financial year.
Regional ports across the nation have long played a reliable role as trade facilitators and infrastructure service providers that connect regional industries to global markets. In the south of Western Australia, Southern Ports pushes boundaries by redefining what it means to be a regional port.
Chief executive officer Keith Wilks told DCN that with a catchment across southern WA larger than the state of Victoria, Southern Ports believes it can push beyond the traditional norms of a regional operator.
We’re changing the way we manage our ports through a $31.6 million digital transformation programKeith Wilks, Southern Ports CEO
“We’re ambitious, we’ve got a capable team, and we believe we have a lot to offer to our regions, customers and our sector beyond facilitating trade,” Mr Wilks said.
“One of our focus areas has been advancing our asset management, and in November we became only the fifth port authority globally to gain ISO certification for our system.
“We’re hoping that our work in this area provides value to our own operations, but also uplifts the sector nationally.”
Mr Wilks said the move is part of a much larger digital transformation the port operator is committed to delivering.
“We’re changing the way we manage our ports through a $31.6 million digital transformation program,” he said.
The ambitious program includes a new port management information system, a terminal operating system, a certified and award-winning asset management system, a new safety management system, new contractor onboarding system, ITSM service system, and a new enterprise resource planning system.
This article appeared in the June | July 2025 edition of DCN Magazine