Struan House, a significant 150-year-old mansion located on South Australia's Limestone Coast, faces an uncertain future as the state government deliberates on its use after the Primary Industries Department evacuated the premises. Locals have expressed the importance of maintaining the historic building as a key piece of cultural heritage that should continue to serve a purpose in the community. With plans to develop a new agricultural research center nearby, the government is exploring options for Struan House, which could see its future redefined amidst ongoing regional development plans.

The mansion, which has been a part of the landscape since 1875 and has most recently been a focus for agricultural research, is now at a crossroads after recent fires prompted the relocation of PIRSA staff. As the government prepares to begin a multi-million-dollar project across the road to establish a new facility, questions regarding Struan House's role in this transformation are becoming prominent among local residents and stakeholders. The community sentiment advocates for the importance of preserving historical sites and maximizing their potential for future generations.

As the state's planning officials deliberate on the house's future, the outcome will ultimately shape not just the fate of the mansion but also the historical context of the region. The local community is hopeful that the government's future plans will encompass a vision that respects this heritage site while also integrating the new agricultural initiatives set to enhance the area's research capabilities. How the state balances these interests could serve as a precedent for managing other historic sites throughout Australia that are vulnerable to modern development pressures.