Decision needed on Incitec Pivot fertiliser plant 'now', community leaders say COMMUNITY leaders are calling on the State Government to make a "clear cut" decision over the future of Incitec Pivot Fertilisers. It comes after a $5 million development to turn a historic Port Adelaide wool shed into a residential and entertainment precinct was stalled last week. A decision on the Santos Parade project was deferred by Port Adelaide Enfield Council's Development Assessment Panel because of its proximity to fertiliser storage company Incitec Pivot and insufficient vehicle access into the building. The development was set to include 10 apartments, a classic car gallery, art studio, bowling alley and restaurant. A decision has been put off twice by the panel in December and February. Safework SA and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) raised concerns about an explosion risk at Incitec Pivot in 2010, due to its storage of ammonium nitrate. The Dock One stage of the Newport Quays development has been on hold since 2011 after Safework and the EPA warned the 275-home estate should not go ahead because of the explosion risk. Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson said a plan for the fertiliser plant was needed "now" and the redevelopment of the Port was being affected by the State Government's lack of clarity over the issue. "I have been approached by many investors and developers from here and interstate about developing in the Port, but how can I talk to them with any confidence when there is this air on uncertainty surrounding the fertiliser plant?" he said. Developer Anton Schmidt said he was undecided on whether he would push ahead with the development. "The government either wants progress in the Port or they want it to stay the way it is for the next 20 years," he said. Renewal SA chief executive Fred Hansen said the government was working with the fertiliser company at Port Adelaide to pursue its relocation. "We understand that Incitec Pivot is currently completing independent assessments of its existing site in the context of a potential relocation and Renewal SA has agreed to work with Incitec Pivot according to its timeframes," Mr Hansen he said. Incitec Pivot operations general manager Val Mucaj said negotiations with the State Government were "confidential." Port Adelaide MP Susan Close said while "everyone would like to know what is the risk of Incitec Pivot and what its future is, it is important to focus on what we can develop." Questions from the Portside Messenger about time frames, potential relocation sites or how long it would take the plant to relocate were left unanswered by both parties. "It is only within 500m of the plant that is causing the issue but there are lots of places that we can develop and lots of good work that is going on to help renew the Port," Mrs Close said.