Bunge has officially launched its Wolseley site following a major $50 million investment, which will strengthen South Australia and western Victoria’s grain supply chain.
The Wolseley project is a major investment by Bunge in South Australia. It is designed to improve safety, expand capacity, and create efficiencies and value for farmer and buyer customers whilst contributing to the local community.
“This project is about supporting the future of our grain industry and ensuring farmers have the facilities they need to remain competitive in global markets,” Bunge vice president ANZ Philip Hughes said.
“We’re proud to be able to showcase the work we have done on the project so far, and the feedback from attendees was incredibly positive.”
Nearly 100 people attended the sites opening, including the likes of farmers, contractors, government and industry representatives, and Bunge employees.
Stage one of the project aims to improve the delivery of experience for farmers, including additional bunker storage, new classification centres and weighbridges, a larger marshalling area, improved roadways, and stormwater management.
Stage two includes construction of a new rail track around the site and installation of fast rail loading bins. Once complete, the system will reduce train loading times from eight hours to two, lower truck movements and carbon emissions, and improve community safety through a new active railway crossing.
Farmers using the Wolseley site saw freight rates reduce for two seasons in a row due to the project, equalling a saving of $9.30 per tonne.
“We’re pleased to have passed further savings on to farmers for the coming harvest, helping ensure they receive greater value for their grain,” Hughes said.
“Building on last year’s reductions, we’ve delivered a 26 per cent saving over the past two years as a direct result of this work.”
Tatiara district council mayor Liz Goossens opened the site alongside Hughes. Goossens said she welcomed Bunge’s investment and the benefits it will bring to the local economy and agricultural community.
“This $50 million project represents a major investment not just in facilities, but also in the farmers, carriers, and communities who rely on them,” she said.
“The project has already brought significant local benefits through local employment, supplier business, and increases economic activity in the Tatiara region. Longer-term, it will continue to strengthen our agricultural base and ensure our farmers remain globally competitive. We’re proud to see Wolseley positioned as a key hub for the upcoming harvest and beyond.”
Local farmer Simon Ballinger said the Wolseley site will make a significant difference this harvest.
“The faster turnaround and better site layout will help many of us when things are at their peak,” he said.
“There will also be significant benefit felt from the freight savings, which is a real win for local farmers. Everyone at the opening was amazed at the scale of the work that’s been done, and it’s very positive for the area and the site.”
