An application has been lodged for establishing a hemp processing facility in South Australia’s Wattle Range local government area.
The application involves a property on Rabbits Road in the Glenroy area. Glenroy is situated around 370 kilometres driving distance south-east from Adelaide, and not far from the Victorian border.
The applicant, SouthFibre SA Pty Ltd, is proposing the change of use of an existing storage building on the land to accommodate a hemp processing facility with associated storage, office facilities and an amenities block.
Beyond that, there’s not much more information publicly available on the application or property at this point in time, but Property.com.au indicates the property covers 148 hectares and was last sold in January 2022 for $4.98 million.
SouthFibre SA Pty Ltd describes itself as a processor and supplier of industrial hemp products and materials, and is part of the Hepburn Hemp Group. Based in Victoria’s Hepburn Shire, Hepburn Hemp says it supplies a range of industrial hemp materials to industries; including the textile, packaging, horticulture, animal care and construction sectors.
It also supplies hemp food ingredients to manufacturers, distributors, consumer brands and the hospitality industry, as well as related seed and genetics, agronomy supplies, and harvesting and drying services. Hepburn Hemp also conducts research and development focusing on medicinal CBD (cannabidiol) extraction.
“Through collaboration and partnerships, we will develop the industries and opportunities of tomorrow,” says the firm.
Among Hepburn Hemp’s partners are the Tasmanian Hemp Association, Kentucky Hemp Association (USA) and Victorian Farmers Federation.
The Limestone Coast Southern Regional Assessment Panel is the decision authority for the Glenroy application, which has also been referred to the Environment Protection Authority for assessment; with a result from the EPA expected in January next year.
In South Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is responsible for issuing industrial hemp licences authorising possession, cultivation, processing, and supply of certified products. However, a licence is not required to possess, process or supply non-viable seed or plant stems with no leaves, flowering heads or viable seed present.
