SA RELAXES PLANNING RULES TO EXPAND GRAIN STORAGE

By Jessica Dempster

The South Australian Government has relaxed planning rules to help grain handlers establish temporary storage facilities without development approval, as growers prepare for a potentially record harvest.

The exemptions cover additional grain bunkers and associated infrastructure at existing storage and processing sites, as well as other locations designated by the government.

Industry estimates put this season’s harvest at 13 to 14 million tonnes, above the latest official forecast of 11.6 million tonnes.

The state government says the changes could prevent $70 million worth of grain from spoiling because of insufficient storage capacity.

Grain Producers SA chief executive Brad Perry says additional storage is particularly important on the Eyre Peninsula, where a large crop is expected and receival facilities need to keep pace with deliveries.

Temporary storage facilities will be allowed to operate for up to 12 months without development approval, with any longer-term arrangements requiring a formal application.