Queensland construction company Santrev was due to start construction on a $34 million facility in South Australia's Riverland late last year.

The plans for the site, in Blanchetown, north-east of Adelaide, include 42 sheds which will house about 40,000 birds each.

But in a move that's surprised the developers, the Country Fire Service has launched action against the relevant authority, the Mid-Murray Council, in South Australia's Environment Court, ABC reports.

The CFS brought the action against Santrev because it says the fire safety standards for the buildings are not high enough.

The pre-trial hearing is set for today (14 January), and Santrev director Luke Travanion says the company is hoping for a quick resolution.

The chief executive of the Regional Development Authority for the Riverland and Murraylands, Brenton Lewis, says the delays in construction are disappointing.

"The CFS did not advise the Mid-Murray Council of their pending objections, it was all lodged at the last moment.

"And I know that it's frustrating to the developer, because they've had to climb a lot of hurdles to do this in SA, and this is just another one.

"Hopefully it doesn't turn the project upside down."