28 | Port Pirie Masterplan Trade at Port Pirie is forecast to increase from a total of 855,000 tonnes per annum to 1.5 million tonnes per annum in 2070. This is largely driven by an anticipated increase in Nyrstar volumes and the introduction of grain handling using mobile equipment.
The port is heavily restricted by channel depth and width and the feasibility of dredging is questionable given environmental considerations. It does however service local industry. It was identified that Port Pirie was unlikely to attract other trades due to its restrictions. This includes any possibly of using it for coastal trade given its geographical limitation. It was also identified that whilst it might be possible to relocate scrapping and general cargo activities elsewhere, it would be difficult to relocate Nyrstar-related trades and therefore Port Pirie still serves a purpose, albeit with restrictions.
Two (2) options were identified for Port Pirie, both of which supported the retention of existing trade with current restrictions across Berths 5-10. The options differed in the use of Berth 2; one opening it up for recreational access (making Berth 1 – 3 contiguous access), whilst the other outlined the rehabilitation of Berth 2 to be utilised for the layup or scrapping vessels and/ or working vessels (in conjunction with the removal of the Viterra loader). The preferred option retained Berth 2 for port use, and recognised its ability to cater for berthing of scrapping vessels, and to provide an alternate entrance/egress to the port, which directs traffic away from Ellen Street.
Figure 28 Port Pirie Masterplan Figure 9 Port Pirie Masterplan
Secondary port access/egress established to remove congestion on Ellen Street.
Secondary port access/egress established to remove congestion on Ellen Street
Existing timber wharf removed and replaced where required for berth redundancy
Existing timber wharf removed and replaced where required for berth redundancy
Existing shiploaders to be removed (by others)
Existing shiploaders to be removed (by others)
Restricted recreational access across port to be maintained in accordance with Recreational Access Agreement
Restricted recreational access across port to be maintained in accordance with Recreational Access Agreement
Berthline across Berths 5-7 to be used flexibly as a 2-berth operation as vessel size necessitates Waterside accessibility to be maintained at current existing limited depths
