Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman

State Budget 2010-11: Protecting WA Agriculture against pests and disease

Victor P Taffa

The Liberal-National Government has maintained its support for biosecurity risk management for West Australian agriculture.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said $37 Million would be spent on biosecurity in 2010-11.

“This funding will go towards Border Quarantine, Surveillance and Control work to safeguard WA Agriculture from exotic pests and diseases.” Mr. Redman said.

“The State’s geographic isolation combined with strong biosecurity processes means WA is free of many pests and diseases that may occur in other countries, with both producers and customers benefiting from this outstanding disease-free status.”

“The efforts to keep WA free of new invasive pests include a $6 Million contribution towards border biosecurity, such as checks at airports, road, rail and ports.” Mr. Redman said. 

More than $11.5 Million will go towards control of weeds, animal pests, including feral camels, pigs and foxes, and invasive birds such as starlings.

As part of the invasive species funding, the State’s agricultural region will receive a boost in its protection against wild dogs and emus with $4.82 Million in new funding to be spent in 2010-11 on dog management and upgrades to the State Barrier Fence.

The Minister said significant change to pest and disease management was currently under way through the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

“This legislation seeks to establish a modern biosecurity regulatory framework to prevent serious pests and diseases entering WA and to minimise the spread and impact of any already found within the State.” Mr. Redman said.

By July this year, Industry Funding Schemes will be in place under the Act to allow the grains and livestock sectors to raise funds to tackle pests or diseases of their choice, which are not covered under national arrangements.

“This is the first time the grains and livestock sectors will have the ability to put in place this sort of fundraising facility for pests and diseases they deem important to manage.” Mr. Redman said.

“The Government looks forward to assisting these sectors implement the industry schemes while we continue to target broad impact areas to safeguard agriculture and the WA economy as a whole and maintain access to important export markets.”