A POTENTIAL state-wide truck washing and effluent facility network to increase South Australia’s biosecurity is on the cards following new State Government funding.
The State Government has given Livestock SA a $150,000 grant to conduct a business case on the feasibility of establishing a truck wash and effluent facility network.
The plan has come as an added biosecurity measure to help protect South Australian primary producers from animal diseases including Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said it is vital to plan ahead to strengthen our biosecurity.
“With high-risk Emergency Animal Diseases now in neighbouring countries, it is imperative that we investigate all options to ensure South Australia’s biosecurity standards remain steadfast against such threats,“ Ms Scriven said.
“While thankfully South Australia (and Australia) is free of high-risk diseases such as foot and mouth, we cannot let our guard down.
“An FMD outbreak would lead to an immediate halt of exports of animal and animal by-products and would also impact other agricultural industries well beyond farming communities, including impacts on hospitality and tourism, and the domestic supply of food products.“
Under the grant, Livestock SA has planned to investigate issues including washdown objectives and requirements, technical specifications, and financial and risk assessments.
Livestock SA chief executive Travis Tobin said the project is an important step in developing a “much-needed“ network of washdown facilities.
“It builds on the work industry and government have already done to ensure the livestock industries are better prepared for the threat of exotic animal diseases and the need to continue investing in better biosecurity management,“ Mr Tobin said.
“There is a strong view that a state-wide washdown infrastructure network is needed to help protect our industries, ensure animal welfare standards can be maintained and enhanced, and deliver environment benefits such as reducing the spread of weeds of significance.“
