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SPENCER Gulf Searoad, which provides a vital ferry connection between Wallaroo on Yorke Peninsula and Lucky Bay on Eyre Peninsula, is proud to announce a drought relief initiative for South Australia’s grain growers.

The company is offering a 20 per cent freight discount on all truck movements booked from now until June 2025 to support growers during challenging drought conditions. 

With a crossing time of about 2.5 hours, the Aurora V ferry can accommodate cars, caravans, boats, trailers, B-doubles, trucks, farm machinery and up to 200 passengers. 

Key details of the program include:

• Advance bookings – To guarantee deck space, bookings must be made at least four weeks in advance. Shorter notice bookings will be accommodated, if possible, but space cannot be guaranteed.

• Custom solutions – Extra crossings may be scheduled based on truck demand. Costs and arrangements will be discussed individually with growers to ensure tailored solutions.

• Community support – This initiative is designed to ease financial pressure on growers, encourage greater ferry utilisation, and contribute to long-term economic and operational growth in the region.

Searoad marketing manager Nichole Yeoward says the grain industry is a cornerstone of SA’s economy, providing significant export revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. 

“The answer to why the ferry service offers such significant benefits is simple, it reduces the road distance that trucks need to travel.

“For example, a grower trucking goods on a B-double from Cummins to Adelaide would typically travel 636 kilometres one way or 1272km round trip. 

“Based on the current freight rates of about $9.50 per kilometre for a fully loaded B-double (61 tonnes), by using the ferry service from Lucky Bay, the road distance is reduced to 323km one way or 646km for a round trip, nearly halving the road haulage leg by 624km. 

“This represents a saving of $1855 on the outbound journey, equating to a per-tonne one-way saving of over $25 per tonne. 

“Additionally, the reduced road travel significantly decreases fuel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability.

“We understand that each grower may calculate costs differently, which is why Spencer Gulf Searoad is committed to working with growers individually to determine the most accurate pricing for their freight needs,” Ms Yeoward says.

“Our pricing is based on linear metres, not tonnes, making it essential to collaborate with growers at the outset to ensure cost-effective transport solutions.

The Aurora V operates every day except Christmas Day. During peak holiday seasons, additional services are offered on Mondays and Fridays.

Onboard amenities include an observation deck, a café serving barista coffee and snacks, free wi-fi and comfortable indoor seating. 

For more information or to book, phone 8823 0777 or visit www.spencergulfsearoad.com.