T-Ports CEO Nathan Kent and chair Andrew Daniels, artist and sign desgigner Jay Milera, SA Minister for Infrastructure Tom Koutsantonis, and NNAC chair Cyril Kartinyeri and CEO Doug Milera at the opening of the Port of Narungga this week. Photo: royvphotography

YORKE Peninsula’s indigenous culture has been recognised with the naming of Narungga, a grain-exporting facility adjacent to Wallaroo Harbor.

Prior to its formal opening on Wednesday, the Port of Narungga was unofficially known as T-Ports Wallaroo.

It opened for South Australian grower deliveries in November 2022 and exported its first grain last year via T-Ports’ transshipment vessel, MV Lucky Eyre.

MV Lucky Eyre on the berth at the Port of Narungga this week. Photo: Advantage Grain

The vessel also services Lucky Bay, T-Port’s other waterside facility, and ferries grain to oceangoing vessels at anchor in Spencer Gulf, which separates Lucky Bay and Narungga.

Narungga can handle up to 500,000 tonnes of grain annually.

Additional shipping capacity for the western YP comes from the adjacent Flinders Ports-operated Wallaroo Harbor, home to Viterra’s Wallaroo terminal, which was built in the 1950s by SA Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited.

Tribute to traditional custodians

The port’s name acknowledges the region’s traditional custodians, the Narungga people, and their connection to the surrounding waters of Guuranda/Yorke Peninsula.

T-Ports chief executive officer Nathan Kent said the name Narungga also recognised that grain handled there is grown and harvested all over Yorke Peninsula.

“We are extremely proud be part of an Australian first, which celebrates and honours the enduring cultural connection of the Narungga people to the land and waters upon which T-Ports operates,” Mr Kent said.

“In developing our Port of Narungga and our Lucky Bay facilities, T-Ports has sought to meaningfully and respectfully engage with First Nations communities to hear their stories and work hand-in-hand with them to create lasting impact from the port investment.”

Mr Kent said T-Ports’ facilities increased choice for growers and brought additional competition to the market.

“By bringing ports closer to growers, T-Ports’ assets are increasing competition, giving growers better access to global markets and putting more money into their pockets through improved grain prices, supply chain efficiencies, and reduced transport costs.”

The first full harvest season could see the Port of Narungga export up to 360,000t of grain, with up to 100 jobs supported during peak harvest and export seasons.

An Indigenous Land Use Agreement between T-Ports and Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation will ensure ongoing income, job and training opportunities for the Narungga people.

Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation CEO Doug Milera said the name of the facility recognised the connection the Narungga people have to the land and culture and their commitment to help drive economic prosperity in the region.

“As traditional custodians of the Yorke Peninsula, the NNAC is focussed on developing strong and healthy families, growing Aboriginal culture, maintaining cultural connections and empowering the economic wellbeing of our community and the wider region,” Mr Milera said.

“Our partnership with T-Ports has been a positive experience, built on mutual respect and a shared vision to ensure our people share in the success of the Port of Narungga because a strong port means a stronger Narungga Nation.”

SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said the facility symbolised both economic progress and cultural recognition.

“The Port of Narungga is a facility that will drive local employment, boost the economy and ensure that South Australia continues to be a leader in agricultural exports,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

 Source: T-Ports, NNAC, SA Government