Containment the best option for new

Jeremy Rockliff says he feels for Tassie farmers hit by berry disease

I AGREE with farmers and industry stakeholders that we need a strong biosecurity system and the State Government will keep working constructively to ensure our state’s system continues to respond to modern challenges and protects and facilitates agricultural trade.

The Government has invested heavily in a biosecurity system that works in partnership with industry and community, puts in place measures to reduce the risk of entry of pests and disease, and has capability to identify and respond if an incursion occurs.

For example, in the past two years we have doubled our frontline biosecurity detector dog teams to 12 teams who are greeting significantly many more people at airports than ever before and they also work at our ports and mail centres.

In two and a half years our improved biosecurity arrangements for the Spirit of Tasmania in Victoria means over 46 tonnes of risk material did not enter the state and more than 256,000 vehicles and 58,000 passengers arriving by foot have been screened while making unloading in Devonport quicker.

Blueberry rust is one of the more recent disease incursions to have tested our biosecurity regimen and the science that supports it.

As a minister with a farming background, I really feel for the growers who have been directly impacted since 2014 and also appreciate the wider concerns of all blueberry growers, especially organic growers, who are naturally worried about what might happen in the future. My focus is on supporting them and positioning our overall berry industry for continued growth.

For the season ahead DPIPWE will continue to provide growers with the support they need to maintain their markets, including technical information and assistance on preventive farm health and biosecurity.

The rust is a plant disease and does not affect human health. There are treatments available to help manage impacts on the blueberry plant’s productivity and there are ways for growers to help protect themselves that are not chemical-based.

There will be challenges and potentially additional costs and small grants are available to help growers.

It is vital decisions reached by Biosecurity Tasmania are based on sound biosecurity principles, evidence and science without political interference and at arm’s length from any minister.

The department’s regulated containment strategy is based on science and managing industry impact.

We listened to farmers’ concerns and a review was done by experts in the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture with advice from NSW Department of Primary Industries supporting the regulated containment strategy.

Their evidence and advice is that in the circumstances the disease cannot be permanently eradicated and that a regulated containment