Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party calls on the State government to get serious about blueberry rust eradication and biosecurity, anything less displays typical liberal arrogance and blueberry growers across the state deserve action now.
Tasmanian producers compete with broad acre mainland producers. The great benefit we have is using our clean, quality reputation to supply niche markets. This blueberry disease negates that advantage and will decimate any competitive advantage.
The State government is willing to destroy a $30 million local industry. Eradicating blueberry rust is achievable and the impact of the government’s current approach is another example of this Liberal government’s apathy to effective biosecurity management.
The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIWE) must be funded to get ahead of the blueberry rust by intensive monitoring and implement an effective eradication program. We are not taking about a mystical fox, blueberry rust is real and it’s here!
The Government’s program of containment is unacceptable and the solution must be a more aggressive approach. Time this government provided real and tangible on the ground results for our local farmers. Introducing a state wide publicity and education program to help the small and backyard growers should be associated with the eradication program
It is understood Tasmania has 80 registered blueberry growers in an industry worth about $30 million and the negative impacts to these growers and associated business will be permanent disaster if this government continues to ignore the facts.
www.shootersandfisherstasmania.org.au
Adrian Pickin Press Liaison Officer Shooters & Fishers Party, Tas.
