Taking the opportunity to end 2017 on a positive note, Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Board Members and staff were hosted by Grant Drummond, General Manager Operations for the District Council of Ceduna to gain a more detailed overview at the site of the developing Thevenard Marine Offloading Facility.

Mr Drummond talked through the engineering concept plans for the construction of a purpose built facility adjacent to the Thevenard Slipway for the loading and unloading of commercial fishing vessels. He outlined the challenges of striking the right investment balance in facility design and incorporation of best practice technologies to ensure an economic return.

Post construction, the facility will again enable Great Australian Bight fishing vessels access to Thevenard to load and unload marine products and supplies, as access to Thevenard Wharf is now infrequent due to the increased volume in bulk export vessels loading commodities from Thevenard. It is estimated that the return of the fishing fleet and additional vessels from other industries could contribute an additional $10.9 million annually into the regional economy.

The project has been funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, Regions SA Regional Development Fund and the District Council of Ceduna.

RDAWEP Board sincerely thanks the District Council of Ceduna for sharing their insight and look forward to continued collaboration to achieve the best possible innovative outcome for Ceduna and the greater region.