T-Ports launches first Australian port named after traditional owners
T-Ports and the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) are celebrating the opening of South Australia’s newest port – the first in Australia named in honour of Traditional Owners.
Wallaroo’s new Port of Narungga represents the deep connection Yorke Peninsula’s Traditional Owners, the Narungga people have to their country and symbolises their ongoing partnership with port operator T-Ports and the Government of South Australia in driving economic opportunity on the Yorke Peninsula/Guuranda.
The name not only pays tribute to the Narungga people but also recognises that the grain shipped through the port is grown and harvested from across the Yorke Peninsula.
T-Ports has invested $100 million building the new port at Wallaroo providing an alternative grain export pathway for hundreds of growers across the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North.
Port of Narungga is capable of shipping up to 500,000 tonnes of grain annually and will support up to 100 direct and indirect jobs during peak grain harvest.
An Indigenous Land Use Agreement between T-Ports and NNAC will provide ongoing income, job and training opportunities for the Narungga people.
Since 2018, T-Ports has invested more than $280 million in transhipment ports at Lucky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula, putting ports closer to the product, increasing competition and delivering greater profitability for growers.
T-Ports Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kent said the company was 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.
“In developing our Port of Narungga and 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.
“We thank the NNAC for their valued partnership and support of T-Ports and we acknowledge the State Government for facilitating the naming of the Port of Narungga and adjoining Harbor of Narungga after the Traditional Owners.
“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.”
NNAC Chief Executive Officer, Doug Milera, said the naming of the Port of Narungga is a landmark recognition of the Narungga people, their connection to land and culture and commitment to supporting the economic prosperity of the region.
