THE South East Natural Resources Management Board has come under fire for scrapping its weed spraying services across the region, which has triggered an angry backlash from farmers and community leaders.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell yesterday weighed in on the issue, calling on the board to reinstate the services that were dumped last week.
Councils and farmers have been left scrambling to come up with alternatives for the long running fee-for-service spraying services.
It is feared the board’s decision will see noxious weeds spread across valuable farming land and build up on roadside verges, which can cause roadside safety issues.
Grant council is considered one of the leading local government bodies across the state for weed control and absorbs the costs of roadside weed spraying on behalf of landholders.
The rural council – hit hard by the service withdrawal – has called on the board to hand back equipment and vehicles so it could employ its own spraying operators.
But the board has rejected this request despite ratepayers handing over thousands of dollars in spraying equipment to the board in 2004.
The board’s current spraying equipment will be sold at auction later this month.
Irate district farmer Peter Lamond has lambasted the board for axing the important service and leaving farmers unassisted.
“This is an absolute disgrace,”Mr Lamond told The Border Watch.
He said farmers paid the NRM board thousands of dollars in fees for spraying and had now been left without services.
“The fact the board expects council to buy back the equipment is a joke,” Mr Lamond said.
Meanwhile, Mr Bell called on the government to investigate the potential for the service to be offered across the state.
“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,” the independent MP said.
“We had a system that worked, provided a valuable service and a revenue stream for the NRM board.
“I do not understand why you would change a system that worked.”
In a letter to the board, Grant District Mayor Richard Sage proposed the board transfer the second hand spray truck, trailer and Toyota Land Cruiser to council so could it employ its own spray operators.
He revealed council handed over a new truck, all terrain vehicle, Toyota Landcruiser, two Prado vehicles and cash to the new NRM system in 2004.
Mr Sage also requested consideration that council undertake pest control for the board under a contractual arrangement.
In response, board spokesperson Michael Bleby said the board had resolved it would not hand over any assets at no cost.
“The board is committed to the process of disposing of its assets through a fair and competitive process,” Mr Bleby said.
Spraying services that are now surplus to the board will be auctioned on GraysOnline this month.
“The board also discussed the proposal to enter into a contract with council to undertake pest control,” Mr Bleby said.
“… the board resolved to advise council they may tender for any spraying works in accordance with the procurement processes.”
