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South Australia’s newest port, and Australia’s first to be named after the traditional land and sea custodians, has just opened for business.
The Port of Narungga is near the existing Wallaroo Port and can process up to 500,000 tonnes of grain annually, the SA government says.
Wallaroo Harbour has now been divided into Wallaroo and Narungga harbours.
The first full harvest season could see the new port export up to 360,000 tonnes of grain with a peak seasonal workforce of up to 100 jobs during harvest and export seasons.
The SA government says it is the first port, and harbour, in the country to be named after the traditional custodians of sea and land.
An Indigenous Land Use Agreement between T-Ports and Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation will ensure ongoing income, jobs and training for the Narungga people.
SA Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis says the new port “symbolises both economic progress and cultural recognition”.
“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.”
Grain will be transferred from a smaller barge vessel to larger ships offshore, the government says.
T-Ports Chief Executive Officer Nathan Kent paid tribute to the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) for its support.
“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,” he says.
T-Ports reportedly spent $100 million building the new port at Wallaroo, providing an alternative grain export pathway for hundreds of growers across the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North.
NNAC Chief Executive Officer Doug Milera says the port’s name “is a landmark recognition” of the Narungga people and their commitment to 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 says.
