WORKS have begun on T-Ports' proposed grain export facility at Wallaroo this week, after the state government signed off on the project's Crown Development status late last month.
The development is expected to deliver up to 200 jobs during the construction phase over the next 12 to 18 months and a further 60 ongoing jobs.
T-Ports chief executive officer Kieran Carvill said the Wallaroo facility would be ready to receive grain from next year's harvest.
"The port at Wallaroo is the logical next step in the T-Ports journey, following the successful first harvest and export season at Lucky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula," he said.
"EP growers have seen freight savings of up to $19 a tonne, depending on their location, along with an increase in grain prices across the board.
"We're looking forward to offering competition for growers in the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North regions and delivering significant supply chain savings.
"Planning [at Wallaroo] has included significant scoping studies of the coastal environment, shoreline, inland freight networks and economic feasibility to ensure the port's long-term sustainability.
"There are efficiencies and cost savings in building this port on the opposite side of the Spencer Gulf to Lucky Bay, as we will use the same transhipment vessel, the MV Lucky Eyre.
"SA graingrowers are the first to benefit from our innovative transhipment technology and positioning port infrastructure close to a product's origin."
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The new grain export facility will feature steel silos with 20,500t of grain capacity and a 500-metre rock causeway with grain conveyed to a ship loader for loading onto the transhipment vessel.
T-Ports also owns land nearby, where six bunkers will be built with 240,000t of grain capacity.
Growers and community members wanting to learn more about the proposed development are invited to T-Ports' community drop-in sessions today (Tuesday, November 10) at the Wallaroo Football Club.
T-Ports staff and technical consultants will be on hand to answer questions and plans of the proposed bunkers site on Magazine Road and silo site and causeway/wharf on Chatfield Terrace will be available to view.
Mr Carvill said the drop-in sessions were an opportunity for both growers and community members to view the plans, speak with T-Ports staff and technical consultants and to gain an understanding of the project.
Drop-in times are between 3pm-5.30pm or 7.30pm-9pm.
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