The proposal
The proposal is for the development of a bulk export facility by Flinders Ports (on behalf of Spencer Gulf Port Link) at Port Bonython near Point Lowly on Eyre Peninsula.
The detailed proposal comprises:
- iron ore storage facility
- ore unloading facility
- a new rail line connecting the storage facility to the existing Port Augusta/Whyalla railway line
- ancillary amenities and infrastructure
- a new jetty structure (approximately 3 kilometres long, accessing 20 metres depth of water)
- ship loading wharves (for Cape size vessels)
- conveying and ship loader equipment to export approximately 50MT of ore per annum.
The proposal was declared a ‘major development’ on 1 March 2012, with Assessment Guidelines determined by the Development Assessment Commission on 28 June 2012. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) level of assessment was required to be prepared by the proponent.
On 11 April 2024, the Minister for Planning determined not to grant a development authorisation for the development (and thereby no further assessment of the application will take place), pursuant to Section 48(2)(a) of the Development Act 1993 (as it applies pursuant to and as modified by Regulation 11(3) of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017). The previous major development declaration was also revoked by further notice in the gazette, pursuant to Section 108(6) of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (as it applies to the declaration pursuant to Section 33 of the Legislation Interpretation Act 2021).
