Draft Regulations for Aerial and Ground Spraying

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water Bryan Green said today draft regulations to help ensure the safe use of pesticides in aerial and ground spraying in Tasmania have been released for further public consultation.

“We need to develop regulations that balance the use of agricultural chemicals in our primary industries sector with community expectations over safety,” Mr Green said.

“The first public comment period identified a diverse range of views and this fresh round of consultation will bring more certainty to the draft regulations.”

Mr Green said Tasmania would continue to assist in the development of a national scheme for the assessment, registration and control of use of Agvet chemicals.

“A national scheme for the use of these chemicals is certainly welcome but it is still some way off and we need to address issues specific to the State’s primary industries sector.

“For example, agriculture, urban areas and water catchments in Tasmania are in much closer proximity than on the mainland because of our small size and topography.

“The regulations we have developed incorporate appropriate management of ground and aerial spraying around these areas.

Mr Green said that an additional paper has also been prepared to accompany the proposed regulations. It explains the key changes made since the original round of consultation and the rationale behind these changes.

The consultation period will last for two months. Feedback will then be considered before finalising the regulations.

Copies of the draft regulations and explanatory paper are available on the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment website at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au Further information can be obtained by contacting Peter Lee-Archer on (03) 6336 5252.