Sheryl Lowe, Naracoorte Community News
Nick McBride MP, Member for MacKillop, hosted a visit by the Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia and Primary Industries, the Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC, in Naracoorte this week, to discuss the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Mr McBride and Ms Centofanti toured the Naracoorte Livestock Exchange (saleyards) which has been operating on the corner of Wimmera Highway and Carters Road since 1973.
The Naracoorte/Lucindale council, which runs the saleyards, is investing 3.8 million in 2022 – 2023 on improving facilities – including upgrading the cattle yards, unloading ramps, yard roofing, pens, and fencing.
The saleyard is one of regional South Australia’s main livestock selling centres and has an annual average turnover of 85,000 head of cattle and 500,000 sheep – a vital contributor to the local economy.
“If FMD was found in the region, the impact would be enormous,” Mr McBride said.
“If just one animal became infected, all stock within a circumference of the infection point would have to be destroyed, and the livestock industry would close down across Australia until further assessments were made.”
“There are livelihoods at stake here. It’s not just the farmers, it’s the stock agents, the saleyards, transport operators, the TEYS and JBS meatworks. The impact on our economy would be devastating.”
Mr McBride’s comments support calls from Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC for additional biosecurity officers to be stationed at Adelaide Airport.
“We need an urgent biosecurity staffing boost so that luggage from every traveller from Indonesia can be inspected. We are dealing with a potential catastrophe right on our doorstep, posing an estimated $80 billion threat to the economy. We need coordinated and comprehensive action from both the State and Federal Labour Governments,” she said.
Mr McBride has written to the Minister for Primary Industries to highlight concerns about the time it has taken to implement biosecurity controls at airports in an effort to stop FMD.
Mr McBride says that the Federal Government announced an outbreak of FMD in Bali on the 5 th July.
In response to the outbreak, the media release said: “frontline biosecurity officers are operating with increased vigilance across all flights arriving from Indonesia, including Bali.”
Mr McBride says he has been contacted by people returning from Bali who say they weren’t checked at all.
“One gentleman says his friend was able to walk through the airport without additional screening requirements. He was – quite rightly, worried that people may have inadvertently brought this disease in on their shoes or clothing,” Mr McBride said.
“The Premier has said that disinfectant mats, designed to kill off foot and mouth disease, are still not in place at the Adelaide Airport. I acknowledge that it is the Commonwealth’s responsibility – but this is taking too long.”
“We should have implemented strict biosecurity measures at airports when the outbreak was first detected in Bali. We know that thousands of people have been returning from holidays there with what appears to be an ad hoc approach to inspecting their footwear and clothing.”
Mayor of the Naracoorte/Lucindale Council Ms Erika Vickery said, “… this is a huge threat to our livestock industry, we must all work together.”
“The Limestone Coast Councils share the Red Meat Industry’s concerns about the risk of foot and mouth disease spreading from Indonesia to Australia, particularly as holiday makers return home from Bali.”
“Containing an outbreak would be difficult,” said Mayor Vickery.
“And of course, the prevalence of feral species such as deer would increase the complexity of containment.”
“We support the Red Meat Industry’s call for the Federal and State Government to do all they can to ensure travellers from Indonesia and returning Australian holidaymakers do not bring this devastating disease into Australia.”
“We also appeal to all travellers to observe all requirements as they enter Australia to ensure they do not bring in the disease.”
“In South Australia the Red Meat and Wool Industry generated nearly $4.6 billion in revenue with the Limestone Coast Red Meat Industry representing 1/3 of the total Red Meat Industry in SA, employing approximately 4,000 people in our region.”
Ms Centofanti said it was important to take every safety measure to protect our farmers, the associated-food industry and the agricultural shows, which she said are the backbone of our rural communities.
This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News.
