The South Australian Government has released environmental guidelines for the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed deep sea port facility at Port Bonython.

 

State Planning Minister John Rau said the EIS for the $600 to $700 million facility could take up to 18 months to complete, and would ensure that all prerequisites are met before construction starts.

 

“We appreciate and encourage community interest in this venture. These guidelines and the EIS will be subject to thorough processes aimed at ensuring the facility is environmentally sound,” Mr Rau said.

 

The announcement comes after the port was granted Major Development status earlier this year.

 

Mr Rau said the proposal features a three-kilometre jetty and conveyance system, iron ore storage facility and a rail line connecting the facility to the existing, Port Augusta/Whyalla rail line.

 

“It will also accommodate cape-sized vessels capable of carrying up to 180,000 tonnes of cargo,” Mr Rau said.

 

The proposed development will also employ about 400 workers during construction as well as ongoing employment.

 

Once the EIS has been submitted and publicly released, the public will have the opportunity to comment and a public meeting will be held.

 

Extensive consultation has been conducted by the State Government and the Flinders Ports led consortium and will continue as the Port Bonython project progresses.

 

The guidelines have been publicly released and are available here