Councils fear hidden costs after SA Government’s GM ban deal

Councils across the state will soon decide whether they want to stay GM-free, and are calling for help to cover the costs of community consultation amid the impacts of COVID-19.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes said councils could now face another major new cost they cannot bear. Picture: AAP Image/ Morgan Sette

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Genetically modified crops now face another major hurdle before becoming a reality across South Australia – winning support from regional councils.

And the state’s peak local government authority wants the Government to help fund fresh consultation on the issue, to reduce the burden on councils already dealing with the impacts of COVID-19.

Under the State Opposition’s proposal, accepted by the Government, councils will be able to apply to keep bans on GM crops in place, and over the coming months are expected to consult with communities on the issue.

Local Government Association president Sam Telfer said the State Government should consider covering councils’ consultation costs, as regions were already under “extra stresses” as a result of the coronavirus.

“To have an extra burden such as this on top, might be an extra burden they’re not able to carry,” he said.

A bipartisan deal was struck this week, allowing canola farmers to begin planting genetically-modified crops ahead of the 2021 harvest.

The deal followed a fight over GM in SA, in which the Government made failed attempts to lift the ban using both legislative and regulatory tools.

Under the new changes, Kangaroo Island Council will keep the ban and any other region can apply to retain it, but Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone will make the final call on whether exemptions are approved.

Councils are only obliged to consult if they want to remain GM free, but Mr Telfer expected most to discuss the issue with their communities either way, as part of their due diligence.

He said exemption applications must be based on marketing advantages – not ideological perspectives.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes said gauging support in agricultural communities would cost thousands.

“I’m not too sure about it being dumped on councils to deal with it – it’s another job we’ll have to pay for,” he said.

GM crops are known for providing higher yields per hectare – along with the ability to more easily withstand weed growth.

But some farmers argue sowing GM crops compromises the state’s clean, green, image and would stifle the market for organic produce.

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“We’re very proud of the quality of the landscape we have and the food that comes out of this region,” Mr Parkes said. “There will be some (farmers) that want to retain that as a selling point for their produce and others that will want to increase production.”

In September, Adelaide Hills Council wrote to the State Government calling for regions to be given the option of retaining their GM-free status so they could target specific markets.

Adelaide Hills director of development and regulatory services, Marc Salver, said council policy set in 2012 stated it did not support GM crops and industry groups would be consulted to determine whether that position should change.

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