Project VG16004 was completed in 2018 by Osborn Consulting Engineers, RM Consulting Group (RMCG), FERM Fire Engineers and Doyles Construction Lawyers.

Understanding the technical requirements for greenhouse construction and safe operation can be a steep learning curve for growers seeking to establish, expand or modify a greenhouse or grow structure. Navigating local government approval processes for construction can be complex. This can be made even more daunting by the fact that the National Construction Code (NCC) does not currently have specific requirements for greenhouse structures.

Through better understanding of safe management practices, approval processes and other issues associated with NCC compliance, growers may be better placed to avoid unexpected expenses and delays when designing and building their greenhouses.

About the project

Developing technical guidelines and a best practice extension toolbox for greenhouse construction and safe operation (VG16004) focused on developing two important outcomes for the vegetable industry.

The first was a submission of a Proposal for Change to the NCC to incorporate specific classification guidelines for greenhouse structures.

The second was the development of a suite of resources to assist growers in planning for the construction and operation of greenhouses and grow structures. This led to the creation of a website featuring a series of easy-to-read fact sheets covering greenhouse design and planning.

Major findings

Recognising the frustrations experienced by growers seeking to develop new greenhouse structures, a team of technical specialists led by Osborn Consulting Engineers, set about developing a Proposal for Change to the NCC.

According to Project Lead Marcel Olivotto, growers typically encounter roadblocks when trying to obtain council approvals for their greenhouses and are being forced to implement expensive and, in many cases, unnecessary, compliance measures in order to gain approval.

“The roadblocks are almost always around fire compliance and egress (exit) compliance. In some cases, councils are treating the greenhouses like factories, and growers are being asked to install expensive fire-related sprinkler systems in addition to their crop irrigation systems in order to comply with the Code,” Mr Olivotto said.

A team of construction engineers, fire engineers and construction lawyers were involved in developing the Proposal for Change, which was presented to industry in May 2017, and submitted to the Australian Building Codes Board in September 2017. The proposal is currently being considered and if successful, will be adopted by states and territories in May 2019.

The second part of the project involved the development of the Toolbox for Greenhouse Construction and Safe Operation, which is available online.

According to RMCG Senior Consultant Carl Larsen, the toolbox aims to improve industry awareness and knowledge of the regulations associated with greenhouse construction and compliance.

“What we have done is condense very technical information into a series of snappy two-page fact sheets around the key points to be considered at each particular stage of greenhouse development,” Mr Larsen said.

The toolbox covers 13 areas, ranging from understanding the basics – such as site selection and layout – through to navigating the requirements of local government approval processes.

“The toolbox offers growers guidance for getting their greenhouse built, and prompts them to ask the right questions of the right people throughout the process,” Mr Larsen added.

Supporting the fact sheets are several case studies, providing real-life examples of how growers have tackled issues during the construction process. Mr Larsen hopes that the toolbox may also become a valuable resource for local government planning staff, helping them to better understand the needs of the industry and offer practical guidance to growers during early stages of planning.

Conclusion 

If implemented, the Proposal for Change to the NCC could make it easier for vegetable growers to build greenhouse structures on their farm.

“Incorporating specific technical information relating to greenhouses within the NCC would mean that compliance would be a non-issue for many growers. Once there is guidance within the documentation, councils will be able to work within those guidelines with clarity, making it easier for growers to move forward with developments,” Mr Olivotto said.

Growers are encouraged to start with the toolbox if looking to build, expand or modify a greenhouse on their property.

“Make sure you get the basics right. Consider site selection and design at the start to avoid delays or costly mistakes. I also encourage growers to engage early and often with both regulatory agencies and neighbours so that complaints and appeals against applications can be avoided down the track,” Mr Larsen said.

The bottom line

Project VG16004 aimed to address the difficulties associated with greenhouse construction and safe operation, particularly in terms of meeting the necessary technical requirements and approval processes.

The two-part project resulted in the submission of a Proposal for Change to the National Construction Code to incorporate technical documentation around the construction of greenhouses. An online toolbox was also developed to help growers navigate the process of building, expanding or modifying a greenhouse structure on their farm.

The proposal for change engaged a team of technical specialists to document the specific regulatory requirements of greenhouse structures to facilitate their approval during local government planning processes. The proposal is currently being considered by the Australian Building Codes Board, and if accepted, will be implemented in May 2019.

The online toolbox is available online, and features a series of 13 fact sheets and supporting case studies to help growers understand and navigate the process for designing, planning and building a greenhouse or grow structure.

Further information

For more information, please contact Marcel Olivotto at marcel.o@osbornconsulting.com.au or Carl Larsen at carll@rmcg.com.au.

The online toolbox is available here.

This project is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund. VG16004 was funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

This article first appeared in Vegenotes 67 – July/August 2018. You can download the publication here.