New Australian port opens

T-Ports and the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corp. on Nov. 20 celebrated the opening of South Australia’s newest port, which can export up to 500,000 tonnes of grain annually.

T-Ports invested $100 million building the new port at Wallaroo, which provides an alternative grain export pathway for hundreds of growers across the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North. Port of Narungga will support up to 100 direct and indirect jobs during peak grain harvest, officials said.

“By bringing ports closer to growers, T-Ports’ assets are increasing competition, giving growers better access to global markets, and putting more money into their pockets through improved grain prices, supply chain efficiencies and reduced transport costs,” said Nathan Kent, chief executive officer, T-Ports.

Since 2018, T-Ports has invested more than $280 million in transshipment ports at Lucky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula, putting ports closer to the product, increasing competition and delivering greater profitability for growers.

“The Port of Narungga is a facility that will drive local employment, boost the economy and ensure that South Australia continues to lead the way in agricultural exports,” said Tom Koutsantonis, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture and Transport. “South Australia exports about 90% 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.”

South Australia produces around 8 million tonnes of grain per year, which accounts for about 20% of the country’s total grain output, according to South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Officials said the Port of Narungga “represents the deep connection Yorke Peninsula’s Narungga people have to their country and symbolizes their ongoing partnership with port operator T-Ports and the Government of South Australia in driving economic opportunity on the Yorke Peninsula/Guuranda.”

Source: World Grain