Port Augusta Operations’ $40 million export development a long-term jobs boost for Upper Spencer Gulf
The Port Augusta community hopes a return to the area’s heritage as a port town – through a $40 million development – will bring more long-term residents to the region.
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A $40 million port development in the Upper Spencer Gulf is step closer to reality, after the state’s peak planning body released designs for public scrutiny.
The Port Augusta community is hopeful a return to the area’s heritage as a port town will not only bring a jobs windfall, but inspire new residents to settle there long-term.
Resources and logistics company Port Augusta Operations, which is leasing the site from CU-River Port, is planning the development at the site of the town’s former power station.
It will spend $40 million turning the property into “Port Playford”, but says its value including existing infrastructure is closer to $250 million.
Plans lodged with the State Planning Commission show the project will create about 100 jobs during construction, and 80 permanent positions.
As previously reported, Havilah Resources has signed on to export iron ore from the site. A Port Augusta Operations spokesman on Wednesday said four other businesses – all mining sector operators – had also signed memorandums of understanding to use the port. He would not reveal the companies’ names, citing commercial reasons.
The company said the site’s position between the North Gawler, South Gawler and Braemar iron regions would enable efficient commodities movement.
“The port has the potential to become a key export shipping location, generating significant economic and social benefits for the region, and South Australia as a whole,” the spokesman said.
Only a small section of the site is needed for the port and options for the rest of the land will be explored in future.
Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow understands several companies have expressed an interest in installing solar panels on the power station’s former ash dam.
He said it was “exciting times” for his town, and would mean locals can “turn back the clock” and reconnect with its heritage. “In the mid 1800s to 1900s Port Augusta was a port,” Mr Benbow said.
“(The project) will give our youth an opportunity to experience a different type of employment. Who would have thought there would be an opportunity to be a wharfie in Port Augusta again?”
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Apart from securing more jobs, the council hopes staff moving to Port Augusta boost the region’s long-term population.
“If we can get that expertise by developing this project and these people decide they want to reside here that’s our main aim,” he said.
Preliminary construction work is expected to start on-site late this year, with Port Playford being operational before the end of 2022.