Rules dropped to cope with massive SA grain forecast
Strict grain storage development rules are being watered down as farmers prepare for a potentially record-breaking harvest – one region is looking particularly strong.
The state government is fast tracking construction of additional grain storage facilities across South Australia, as growers prepare for a potentially record-breaking harvest.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven says new exemptions will allow temporary grain storage infrastructure to be installed on sites with existing grain storage and processing facilities without development approval from planning authorities.
She said the changes were expected to prevent $70 million worth of grain from spoiling due to a lack of available storage, a concern raised by the industry.
“With South Australia on track to enjoy a record harvest this year, the Malinauskas Government is taking decisive action to support the statewide expansion of grain storage capacity,” Scriven said.
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“These temporary planning changes will help industry capitalise on an exceptional growing season and keep South Australian grain moving.”
Regulations under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 were also amended to remove development approval requirements in areas designated by the Housing and Urban Development chief executive.
She said this could help ease pressure on storage capacity, with industry estimates suggesting this year’s harvest could reach between 13 and 14 million tonnes, surpassing previous records.
Recent crop forecasts have continued to climb. The latest official estimate from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions placing this year’s harvest at 11.6 million tonnes. Industry expected the final result to exceed 13 million tonnes.
Grain Producers SA CEO Brad Perry said the industry had been working with the government on making the changes.
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“This has been a particular priority, with Eyre Peninsula shaping up for an enormous crop,” he said.
“Grain producers need the storage and receival capacity to match that production so they can keep headers moving and get their grain safely off the paddock.”
Under the temporary measures, grain operators can establish additional grain storage bunkers and associated portable weighbridges, staff facilities, internal roadways and drainage works without going through the usual planning approval processes.
Any infrastructure built under the changes must be removed within 12 months, but this could be expanded with development approval.
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