A local strawberry producer is planning to revolutionise its Maroochy River operation with robotic pickers that will dramatically reduce the need for on-site workers and car parks.
Berries Galore Pty Ltd, operated by local growers, has lodged a minor change application with Sunshine Coast Council to amend its existing development approval for intensive horticulture, rural workers’ accommodation and a dwelling house at 199 and 269 Yandina Bli Bli Road.
The company’s proposal introduces highly advanced robotic automation technology that would see robots harvest strawberries around the clock, with minimal human involvement.
Planning documents show the farm plans to use three robots per hectare, each harvesting for 18 hours a day between 4pm and 10am. One worker would supervise up to 12 robots.
Without automation, about six workers per hectare would normally be required, but with robotics that figure drops to four or fewer — cutting overall staffing needs by up to a third.
As a result, Berries Galore is also seeking to reduce the number of on-site car parks from 162 to 66, reflecting the smaller workforce. The company plans to provide daily bus services to transport staff to and from the property.
The robots are equipped with night-vision technology, enabling them to work silently through the night with “zero noise” and minimal internal lighting. A blackout screening system will ensure no light escapes from the greenhouses, meeting council’s existing conditions on light and amenity.
The proposed 24/7 operation is expected to harvest strawberries more efficiently while also reducing truck movements by about 60 per cent compared to traditional operations.
Updated plans also show a greenhouse height reduction to seven metres and a staged construction process, but no significant increase in the overall scale or impacts on neighbouring properties.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
In its submission, Murray and Associates said the proposal satisfied the criteria for a minor change under the Planning Act 2016, as it would not result in a substantially different development or new environmental or traffic impacts.
In a statement to Sunshine Coast News, Berries Galore director Digby McLeay said the initial strawberry farm approval was granted in September 2019 and that council was currently considering “a minor change to an existing approval”.
“It would be inappropriate for the company to comment on the existing application whilst council is conducting its deliberations,” Mr McLeay said.
“Berries Galore plans to deliver a world-first, state-of-the art, high-tech, controlled-environment glasshouse with strong environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) benefits — including reduction in water and pesticide usage.
“Since council granted development approval in 2019, Berries Galore has developed a consortium of local, national and international partners to facilitate the delivery of the project. A board of directors has been appointed. Robust governance, transparent traceability and a commitment to social responsibility underpin company operations.”
Mr McLeay added the project is supported by local, domestic and global partners.
“Key management personnel have been identified,” he said.
“Local professional service providers including town planners, engineers and contractors have been working collaboratively to ensure this project comes to fruition. In the near future the company will announce details of its partnership with an international glasshouse builder.
“Before a sod has been turned, one of Australia’s leading berry wholesalers has contracted to take Berries Galore’s entire production over a number of years. Further details concerning staffing, project progress and achievements will be released on an ongoing basis. This project stands to deliver a world-leading example of a sustainable agricultural enterprise of which the council and local community can be justifiably proud.”
Division 10 councillor David Law was not able to comment on the application but confirmed it has been lodged as a minor amendment to a current approval, and that it would be considered by assessment officers.
