DCN October Edition 2019

Weathering
seasons
Major ports in South
Australia are holding
firm despite the fall
in grain exports this
year and looming
competition from
developments on the
Eyre Peninsula, writes
Janine Hill
Ports continue to play an integral role in the success of key
industries in South Australia and the state’s overall economy.
The fishing, grain, fertiliser, and petroleum trades, not to
mention the state’s burgeoning cruise industry, rely heavily
on the ports of Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Thevenard,
Port Giles, Wallaroo and Klein Point, all managed by Flinders Port
Holdings Group.
Flinders Ports chief executive Stewart Lammin says continued
investment in the South Australian ports is vital for the state to
continue doing business.
“In 2019 our operations will facilitate $25bn dollars in trade
for the state and are a prime example of the pivotal role core
infrastructure plays in South Australia’s economy,” Mr Lammin
tells Daily Cargo News.
While conditions have not been ideal, there is strength in the
diversity of freight moved by Flinders Ports and the company has
produced positive results overall.
Despite a downturn in grain exports, Flinders Ports has
recorded a slight increase in ship numbers, picking up at Port Pirie
and Thevenard.
Like the farmers, the ports and their communities are hoping
for more rain and better growing conditions.
“With low rainfall levels, farmers and exporters have really felt
the pinch of the drought in South Australia. Grain levels are quite
low which has impacted our exports,” Mr Lammin says.
“Further to this, the drought in the eastern states has taken a
great deal of grain and hay over land to areas that need it, rather
than by sea.
“This is quite clearly reflected in comparison to the statistics
from last year. Along with the farmers, we are all very much
hoping to see more rain to bolster next year’s grain season.”
Although there has been a fall in production, grain continues
to be one of the major cargoes handled by Flinders Ports.
thedcn.com.au October 2019 39