EYRE Peninsula graingrowers are soon to have have an alternative delivery option, with T-Ports set to build a new bunker site at Kimba, while also increasing its storage capacity at its Lock grain receival site. The new Kimba facility, expected to be completed in time for this year's harvest, will be located on the east of the township at the Eyre Premium Hay premises. T-Ports chief executive officer Kieran Carvill said the expansion was part of the company's plan to continue increasing grain throughput and give SA graingrowers more choice. "Growers at both Kimba and Lock have been strong supporters, as have many others across the EP, and given current harvest predictions, we're now able to offer an alternative storage option for this part of the catchment zone," he said. "While upper EP growers have had the opportunity to deliver direct to our port at Lucky Bay (opened in 2019), this Kimba site will give them a delivery option much closer to home so they can move tonnes from the paddock more efficiently and cost-effectively at the peak of the harvest. "We will continue to monitor other opportunities to support our grower customers right across the catchment area in the future as we know they recognise and support the benefits of competition in EP storage and handling." RELATED READING: T-Ports proposes to ship timber through Kingscote The T-Ports facility at Kimba will consist of four bunkers, with a total storage capacity of more than 70,000t. At Lock, a new 300-metre long bunker and an additional drive-over hopper stacker access road will be built, while an existing 150m bunker will be upgraded, in time for harvest. Both sites, as well as the bunker site at Lucky Bay, will receive the major wheat and barley grades, with active binning in place to capture additional value. "We're keen to ensure growers keep maximising their profits through ongoing competition and lower costs," Mr Carvill said. "We are also committed to supporting regional businesses and communities and we're very pleased to be in partnership with Eyre Premium Hay - a locally-owned and operated family company." RELATED READING: Grower survey to gauge EP grain opportunities Eyre Premium Hay principal and graingrower Matthew Vandeleur said the new T-Ports' facility at Kimba would provide multiple benefits for growers on upper EP. "It means we can reduce paddock pressure at harvest time, increase usage of our own assets and considerably lift our bottom-line profits," he said. "Having the option to deliver to Kimba means we can better utilise our labour on-farm and reduce our weather risk. "We can also take advantage of the more flexible operating hours offered by T-Ports and the company's willingness to work closely with farmers to achieve our common goals for greater productivity and profitability." T-Ports will also continue to work closely with Eyre Hub, with chairman Andrew Baldock saying opportunities for collaboration with T-Ports would continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.