❓ Hon. Julie Freeman raises concerns about increasing mouse activity in WA grain-growing regions and its potential impact on seeding and crop production, prompting questions about government assessment, planning, engagement, and support measures. The Minister acknowledges the issue and outlines actions taken, including advocating for ZP50 approval.
AnsweredQoN 314Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Agriculture—Mouse activity
314. Hon Julie Freeman to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the increasing
reports of mouse activity across grain-growing regions of Western Australia and
concerns regarding impacts on seeding and crop production.
(1) What assessment has the Department of
Primary Industries and Regional Development undertaken of current mouse
populations, and which regions are considered at highest risk?
(2) Has the minister been briefed on the
potential impact on the 2026 seeding program, and what contingency planning or
grower communications have been undertaken?
(3) What engagement has occurred with the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, grower groups,
the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and the
Commonwealth government regarding management measures and access to higher
strength bait products, including ZP50?
(4) Has the state government considered
any economic modelling, financial assistance or supply support measures to
assist growers affected by the current mouse outbreak?
314. Hon Julie Freeman to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the increasing
reports of mouse activity across grain-growing regions of Western Australia and
concerns regarding impacts on seeding and crop production.
(1) What assessment has the Department of
Primary Industries and Regional Development undertaken of current mouse
populations, and which regions are considered at highest risk?
(2) Has the minister been briefed on the
potential impact on the 2026 seeding program, and what contingency planning or
grower communications have been undertaken?
(3) What engagement has occurred with the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, grower groups,
the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and the
Commonwealth government regarding management measures and access to higher
strength bait products, including ZP50?
(4) Has the state government considered
any economic modelling, financial assistance or supply support measures to
assist growers affected by the current mouse outbreak?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(4) The state government is aware of the
current situation impacting growers and communities in grain-growing areas. I
have joined with grower organisations and have written to the Australian
Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, calling for it to urgently
approve the manufacture and use of ZP50, which CSIRO research has shown to be
the most effective control method. I will continue to engage with those grower
organisations and local communities that are being impacted.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(4) The state government is aware of the
current situation impacting growers and communities in grain-growing areas. I
have joined with grower organisations and have written to the Australian
Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, calling for it to urgently
approve the manufacture and use of ZP50, which CSIRO research has shown to be
the most effective control method. I will continue to engage with those grower
organisations and local communities that are being impacted.
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