South Australia is preparing for what could be its biggest grain harvest on record, with predictions of up to 14 million tonnes prompting urgent changes to make sure millions of dollars worth of crops don’t go to waste.
As harvesting gets underway across the state, the Malinauskas Government has announced temporary planning exemptions that will allow grain operators to rapidly expand storage facilities without the usual development approvals.
The changes come as industry forecasts suggest this year’s harvest could reach between 13 and 14 million tonnes, potentially smashing previous records and delivering an exceptional season for South Australian growers.
But with such a significant volume of grain expected, there are concerns that existing storage facilities simply won’t have enough room to accommodate it all.
Without additional capacity, an estimated $70 million worth of grain could be at risk of spoiling, making the timing of the new measures particularly important.
Under the relaxed planning rules, grain operators will be able to install additional temporary grain storage bunkers at existing grain storage and processing sites, as well as other designated locations, without seeking development approval.
The exemptions also cover associated infrastructure, including portable weighbridges, staff facilities, internal roadways and drainage works.
The aim is to get extra storage facilities operational as quickly as possible, allowing growers to continue harvesting and delivering grain without major delays.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the changes would help South Australia’s grain industry make the most of an extraordinary growing season.
“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.”
“These temporary planning changes will help industry capitalise on an exceptional growing season and keep South Australian grain moving.”
While the latest official forecast from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions estimates production at 11.6 million tonnes, industry expectations have continued to climb, with the final harvest now predicted to exceed 13 million tonnes.
The Eyre Peninsula is shaping up as a particular standout, with expectations of an enormous crop placing additional pressure on grain receival and storage facilities across the region.
Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said the organisation had been working closely with the State Government and grain handler Bunge to secure the extra capacity needed.
“This has been a particular priority, with Eyre Peninsula shaping up for an enormous crop. 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.”
The additional facilities are expected to help prevent bottlenecks at grain receival sites, ensuring growers can continue harvesting while conditions are favourable.
“With harvest underway, timing is critical. These changes will help Bunge and other grain handlers establish additional capacity where it is needed and reduce the risk of storage bottlenecks undermining an exceptional season,” Mr Perry said.
The temporary infrastructure must be removed within 12 months unless operators obtain development approval to keep the expanded facilities in place.
For South Australia’s grain-growing communities, the changes could prove crucial in turning what is shaping up to be an exceptional growing season into a record-breaking harvest.
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