South Australia development opportunity

The South Australian Government is inviting national and international expressions of interest to develop over 2,000 hectares of land at Port Bonython in the Upper Spencer Gulf. The state-owned land has access to a deepwater port comprising a 2.4km long jetty – which has been approved for a AUS$37m state government-funded upgrade.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said: “This is a significant piece of land that, when properly developed, has the potential to create significant economic and jobs growth not only for the Upper Spencer Gulf, but for the whole of South Australia.”

Hydrogen export hub

Port Bonython was identified as an export hub for both green and blue hydrogen during the development of South Australia’s Hydrogen Export Modelling Tool, which is being used by companies to model the cost of producing and exporting hydrogen from South Australia. Mr Lucas said the state, which has its own hydrogen action plan, is a leader in hydrogen industry development.

He said EOIs will be rated on their ability to develop projects that have the potential to create economic growth and regional development on the Eyre Peninsula, as well SA more broadly, and contribute to Port Bonython as a multi-user, export-focused precinct to leverage the state’s advantages in renewable energy, fuels and minerals.

The site is home to Santos’ processing plant, which receives natural gas liquids and crude oil piped 659km from the Moomba plant for export, and a diesel fuel import and storage terminal. The nearby town of Whyalla boasts a highly skilled workforce, the Whyalla steelworks, a container port, strong national electricity grid connection as well as modern rail and road infrastructure.

Marketing for the site is being led by property firm JLL. Expressions of Interest will be open for a period of six weeks and include requirements for developments to commence within five years.

EOI responses received will help inform the Government’s next steps, which may include further site planning to accommodate a range of project types.