Grain from what is expected to be a record SA harvest is now pouring into bunkers like this one in the T-Ports network. Photo: T-Ports

THE SOUTH Australian Government has introduced exemptions which allow for the fast-tracking of additional grain storage facilities to be built for the potentially record-breaking harvest now gathering pace across the state.

New exemptions will allow temporary grain-storage infrastructure to be installed in specified locations without getting development approval from planning authorities, helping the industry manage an anticipated surge in grain deliveries this season.

The news has been welcomed by Grain Producers SA, which has been working with the SA Government and Bunge as the state’s largest bulk handler by far, to secure additional storage capacity.

“This has been a particular priority, with Eyre Peninsula shaping up for an enormous crop, GPSA chief executive officer Brad Perry 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.”

GPSA CEO Brad Perry.

Mr Perry thanked SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven and SA Minister for Housing and Urban Development and Planning Nick Champion for working with GPSA to “get practical solutions in place”.

“Their willingness to act will make a real difference for growers and the wider grain supply chain.”

Regulations under SA’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 have been amended to exempt grain bunkers and associated infrastructure from requiring approval to be installed on sites where there are existing grain-storage and processing facilities, and areas designated by the chief executive of the Department for Housing and Urban Development.

While infrastructure enabled by these changes must be removed within 12 months, there will be opportunities to maintain the expanded grain-storage and associated infrastructure beyond that period by seeking development approval.

The changes are designed to ease pressure on storage capacity, with industry estimates suggesting this year’s harvest could reach 13-14 million tonnes (Mt), surpassing previous records, and ahead of Primary Industries and Regions SA’s standing estimate of 11.6Mt.

Under the temporary measures, grain operators will be able to rapidly establish additional grain-storage bunkers and associated portable weighbridges, staff facilities, internal roadways and drainage works without going through the usual planning approval processes.

“These temporary planning changes will help industry capitalise on an exceptional growing season and keep South Australian grain moving,” Ms Scriven said.

“It means more storage where it’s needed, supporting growers to get the most out of this year’s harvest.”

The changes are expected to prevent $70 million worth of grain from spoiling due to a lack of available storage.

The move follows concerns from the grain industry that existing storage infrastructure may not be able to cope with the volume of grain expected this harvest.

Source: SA Government