5.6.4 Ports

On a national scale, SA ports are relatively small, accounting for around two per cent of the country's total imports and exports in 2013 (measured in mass tonnes).

Port Adelaide/Outer Harbor is the largest port in SA. Other regional ports include Thevenard, Port Lincoln, Port Bonython, Port Pirie, Wallaroo, Port Giles, Klein Point and Ardrossan. The regional ports support significant export volumes from SA's agricultural, mining and resource sectors. The expansion of a number of these regional ports, as well as development of new high-capacity ports, could support further significant increases in exports, especially of minerals and resources.

The DEC of SA ports is projected to increase by 48 per cent, from $1.09 billion in 2011 to $1.61 billion in 2031. The Audit shows the Port of Adelaide's bulk terminal facilities are likely to need additional capacity within the 15 year timeframe of the Plan.

Table 77: South Australian port tonnages - 2012-13

Source: Ports Australia (2014a)443

The Regional Mining and Infrastructure Plan identifies444 that increased port capacity will be needed to service increased mining sector production.

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443. State totals include small ports not specifically listed.

444. Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (2014b), pp. 31-34