Spencer Gulf Port Link's iron ore project at Port Bonython on Eyre Peninsula promises $10bn over 30 years Iron ore is loaded on to dump trucks. A $10 BILLION lift to the state economy over 30 years would be generated by developing Port Bonython on Eyre Peninsula, a detailed study on the iron ore export project estimates. The study - released for public comment today - says environmental and marine concerns can be overcome, including protection for cuttlefish and whales. The port would create 900 jobs during construction as well as facilitate more than 800 permanent jobs in mining once it was in operation. The environmental impact statement on the Port Bonython Bulk Commodities Export Facility will be published through the Department of Planning. The project is being planned by a consortium called the Spencer Gulf Port Link. Spokesman Stewart Lammin said it would unlock a lucrative iron mining industry. We've seen other states reap the economic benefits of the mining-boom, it's now South Australia's turn," Mr Lammin said. This state needs an efficient, cost-effective route to the global iron-ore market that can be utilised by any mining company, large or small. The project would involve a 3km jetty being built between the existing petroleum export jetty and the breeding grounds for the cuttlefish. To mitigate against disturbing the animals, work would only be conducted out of breeding season. There would be an alert system for whales, which are rare visitors to the top of the gulf. Work would crank up slowly to reduce acoustic impacts on sealife and measures would be taken to reduce turbidity. "Impacts to the marine environment will mostly be localised and short term in nature," the EIS says. A 17.5km rail spur line with a 6km loop would be built to connect the port. Ore storage and associated facilities would be built at the site - crown land 15km northwest of Whyalla across False Bay. Planning Minister John Rau invited the public to make submissions on the proposal by Monday, November 18. "With this input from the community, Spencer Gulf Port Link can then respond to any issues raised and the State Government can undertake its assessment of the proposed development," he said. A public meeting will be held in Whyalla on October 29 and copies of the EIS can be obtained from the Department of Planning. The port would be able to export 50 million tonnes a year of iron ore. A nominal value of $663 million has been given to the project, but Mr Lammin said this could well rise. "Until we've been through the EIS process we can't fully understand all the assumptions of the project," he said. The consortium consists of Flinders Ports, Leighton Contractors, Macquarie Capital and the Australian Rail Track Corporation. The Federal Government also is assessing the impact of the port.