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Proposed Oat-Processing Facility in Oakford: A Step Towards Economic Growth
An artist’s impression of the proposed oat-processing facility. Source: Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
SWAN Milling P&E is actively moving forward with plans to establish an oat-processing facility in Oakford, located in the southern suburbs of Perth. This ambitious proposal aims to create a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the cleaning, drying, storing, and transportation of oats, which will serve food manufacturers producing a diverse range of products.
According to application documents submitted to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, the processing facility is designed to handle approximately 420 tonnes of raw oats daily, operating from Monday to Saturday, with limited operations on Sundays. The proposed development will feature infrastructure for unloading and storing raw oats, machinery for the removal of chaff and weed seeds, impact-hulling machines for stripping the outer shell, and a sophisticated drying system utilizing steam-heated pipes.
The project’s proponents argue that the facility will serve as a significant economic driver for the local community, creating new employment opportunities and encouraging the establishment of ancillary businesses in the Shire. “The proposal is for a facility that supports primary production and, by association, the local community,” the application documents emphasize.
This initiative appears to be spearheaded by Jonathon Morton, who is identified as the director and secretary of SWAN Milling P&E Pty Ltd in Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) filings. Mr. Morton previously owned Morton Seed and Grain, which was sold to Unigrain, now operating as Essantis, in November 2014. His extensive experience in the grain industry, including operating oat mills in Wagin and Bibra Lake, positions him as a key figure in this new venture.
Following the sale, Morton retained ownership of the site and activities at Hope Valley, where he continued to process and trade grains, pulses, oilseeds, and other agricultural products. This site is now referred to as Morton Nutrition and is currently owned by Demeter Grains, a Western Australia-based grain handling and exporting company.
In addition to Jonathon Morton, other shareholders in SWAN Milling P&E Pty Ltd include Swan Milling Investments Pty Ltd, an entity owned by retired representative rugby union player Dane Haylett-Perry. This diverse ownership group adds a unique dimension to the project, blending agricultural expertise with insights from other sectors.
Public consultation on the project plans is set to conclude shortly, with the proposal slated for review by the Western Australia Development Assessment Panel for a final determination. Stakeholder engagement during this phase is crucial, as community feedback can play a significant role in shaping the project’s future.
According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) December Crop Report, Australia is projected to produce approximately 1.2 million tonnes of oats in the 2024-25 season. Western Australia is expected to lead this production with an estimated output of 600,000 tonnes, followed by New South Wales, which is forecasted to produce around 310,000 tonnes. The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia’s December 2024 crop report indicates that approximately 335,000 tonnes of WA’s oats have been cultivated in the Kwinana Port Zone, encompassing the Perth area.
The establishment of the oat-processing facility in Oakford not only promises to enhance the local agricultural landscape but also aligns with broader economic development goals. By facilitating the processing and supply of oats, the project is poised to support local farmers and contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the facility could serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth within the food manufacturing industry.
As we await the final determination from the WA Development Assessment Panel, the community and stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential benefits of this project. The successful implementation of the oat-processing facility could mark a significant milestone in Western Australia’s agricultural narrative, positioning the region as a leader in oat production and processing.
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