A farmer-owned and controlled grain storage facility on Eyre Peninsula is the latest recipient of a State Government grant that will support an upgrade of facilities to benefit the local industry.

EP Storage (EPS), at Taragoro, south of Rudall, has been awarded the grant of $21,911.50 towards connecting a permanent and constant power supply to the site.

Minister for Regional Development, Gail Gago, said the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund (RDIF) grant would improve EPS’s competitive advantage and business growth through cost savings rather than relying on increases in grain production volumes.

“This grant has the full support from the Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Regional Development Association. We are committed to continuing our work to develop a competitive and growing agricultural sector,” Minister Gago said.

Installation of the new electricity infrastructure is almost complete, with the power to be switched on in the coming days. This includes two electricity poles, wiring, connectors and associated fittings to connect EPS’s main machinery shed to the nearest existing supply, at a total cost of $56,000. The new lines replace a diesel generated power source.

EPS chief executive officer Mark Rodda said the project would bring numerous benefits to the company, including reducing reliance on diesel fuels and making the business more sustainable.

“This will allow us to become more competitive in the market and continue to deliver Eyre Peninsula farmers lower grain storage and handling charges,” Mr Rodda said.

“Along with reducing operating costs associated with diesel based power generation, we were keen to eliminate the environmental impact through less carbon emissions and remove the risk of injury to employees from generator related hazards.”

Minister Gago said the RDIF played an important role in the implementation of South Australia’s Strategic Plan by helping to meet a number of targets for regional jobs, investment and export earnings.

“This Government is committed to supporting small to medium sized enterprises with fewer than 99 employees. There are almost 43,000 such businesses, or 32 percent of South Australia’s total, based in our regions,” she said.

The Regional Development Infrastructure Fund is a $3 million fund administered by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to increase the prosperity of regional communities by facilitating infrastructure that supports sustainable economic development.

Applicants can seek up to 50 percent of the eligible infrastructure costs of the project.