Construction of the $115 million Lucky Bay port facility on the Eyre Peninsula is due to begin next week – with contracts awarded to a number of local companies.
Project developer T-Ports has appointed local construction company Ahrens to manage the 358 hectare Lucky Bay port site, near Cowell.
The company is expected to start constructing the shallow harbour grain terminal in mid-July with a projected completion date for Stage 1 during December, in time for shipping of the 2018-19 grain harvest.
The construction at the bunker sites is set to begin next week, with the start of earthworks at both Lucky Bay and Lock.
Lucas Total Contract Solutions will construct the Lucky Bay bunkers, while Buttrose Earthmovers will work out of the Lock site, which will feature 150,000 tonnes of storage space.
T-Ports chief executive officer Kieran Carvill said the project was on-track for completion ahead of the 2018-19 grain harvest season, with artist impressions of the port site recently unveiled.
“Ahrens are well advanced in both the mechanical and civil design of the port,” Mr Carvill said.
“Test pitting to check for suitable gravel and rubble materials at both Lucky Bay and Lock has also brought pleasing results.”
T-Ports has also partnered with Adelaide-based software management company Eka to develop technology allowing trade partners to view their transactions electronically as they happen.
“A major milestone has been the appointment of Eka for the installation of the inventory management system including web portal for grower interface,” Mr Carvill said.
“The portal will allow growers and trade to see their transactions and stock levels in real time and undertake weigh-note transfers to facilitate fast payment.”
