Port Bonython one step closer

Earlier this year the minister for planning proposed a deep-water port facility at Port Bonython on the Eyre Peninsula, which received major project status.

South Australian planning minister John Rau said that the EIS could take up to 18 months to complete.

Areas to be covered in the EIS include effects from construction and operation on:

• the coastal/marine environment (in particular the Australian giant cuttlefish);
• native vegetation and fauna;
• infrastructure requirements;
• cultural heritage and native-title claimants;
• the community;
• economic development;
• traffic and transport; and
• the visual landscape.

Spencer Gulf Port Link Consortium (SGPL), comprising of Flinders Port Holdings, Leighton Contractors, Macquarie Capital, BIS Industrial Logistics and ARTC, were the preferred bidders for the contract.

Flinders Ports chief executive and SGPL spokesman, Vincent Tremaine, has welcomed the guidelines.

“Today represents another significant milestone in the development of this crucial infrastructure project,” said Mr Tremaine.

He said the project has been referred to the Federal government for consideration under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Late last year, SGPL engaged the international design and engineering firm, Arup, to begin work on the EIS.

The proposed $600-$700m deep-water port will be designed to handle capesize vessels moored three kilometres from the shore.

It will have an enclosed conveyance system, an onshore bulk handling storage and handling facility and a 17km rail spur that connects with the Port Augusta/Whyalla line. 

Once construction begins it will take three years to complete provided it is approved.