Farmers to be warned of disease outbreak only via surface mail
January 24, 2012
The Gillard Government has confirmed that even in the event of a serious highly infectious animal or plant disease outbreak, farmers will be warned by only surface mail.
Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray was shocked at the incompetency of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) when it recently revealed that it did not have a database that would enable it to expedite communication to industry players except via snail mail.
“In the event of a serious disease outbreak like fire blight, rabies or the foot and mouth disease, DAFF should be able to text or email stakeholders urgently. Apparently they have no capacity to do this.
“Depending on snail mail, some growers or farmers would not get notified for days, especially in areas where mail is only delivered three days a week.
“With fire risk area population now able to be given instant text messaging, it should not be beyond DAFF to join the 21st Century,” said Sharman Stone.
Further Media Enquiries:
Dr Sharman Stone’s Office – Gaayathri Periasami 0417 148 110