Pilot Project Targets Vineyard Post Re-Use

A new South Australian pilot project is investigating safe and practical solutions for growing stockpiles of treated vineyard posts.

Backed by the State Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the initiative forms part of the South Australian Wine Recovery Program.

Around 89 million timber trellis posts are estimated to be in use nationally, with roughly half located in South Australia.

Many are treated with chromated copper arsenate, making disposal complex due to strict environmental and safety regulations.

Broken and redundant posts are often stockpiled on vineyards, creating logistical and environmental challenges for growers.

The project — delivered by Food and Beverage Australia Limited in partnership with the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life and the University of the Sunshine Coast — will trial re-use options including agricultural fencing.

Researchers will assess safety, regulatory requirements and economic viability, building on similar successful re-use initiatives previously undertaken in New Zealand.