MP calls for reinstatement of spraying services

Monday April 09, 2018

Published by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell MP

The Member of Mount Gambier, Troy Bell is calling on the State Government to reinstate the spraying services previously undertaken by the South East Natural Resources Management Board (NRM).

For a number of years the NRM successfully undertook spraying services within the District Council of Grant area to control weeds throughout that Council area. The NRM undertook the spraying activities on a fee for service agreement with the District Council of Grant. The spraying operation undertaken by NRM ceased as at the 31st March 2018 and the equipment associated with the spraying were scheduled to be auctioned this month.

A number of ratepayers have expressed their concern that this service is ceasing.9

“This is an excellent model that could be replicated throughout the State of South Australia” said Mr Bell. “I am calling on the State Government to re-instate this service and investigate the potential for this service to be offered across South Australia.”

“The control and management of pests and weeds throughout agricultural areas assists farmers in the management of their pastures and crops preventing noxious weeds spreading through valuable agricultural land. We had a system that worked, provided a valuable service and provide a revenue stream for the NRM Board. I don’t understand why you would change a system that was working well” said Mr Bell.