PPSA’s news of the week

Electric fences: With the start of the fire danger season, Livestock SA is reminding those with electric fences to ensure these are well maintained, constructed as per the supplier’s instructions and in accordance with industry standards, and clear of undergrowth and overhanging bushes and trees. As electric fences have been attributed as a potential ignition point, producers with electric fences should consider turning them off on catastrophic fire days.

Mining disputes: Grain Producers SA’s Mining Act Review Taskforce has made a submission on the draft Mining and Resources Land Access Dispute Resolution Code. This code aims to provide a mechanism to resolve land access disputes by compelling parties to participate in mediation overseen by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner. It falls short of the government’s election commitment to resource the Commissioner to undertake work on behalf of primary producers seeking advice/resolution for land access issues involving resource companies. GPSA also believes that access to enforceable mediation should only be available at the request of primary producers, and that mediation costs should be borne by resources companies in the same way that native title mining disputes are paid.

Rabbit control: Primary Producers SA is reminding landowners to maintain rabbit control programs. With the release of the K5 strain of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus and the ongoing appearance of the RHDV2 strain, integrated control programs that complement biocontrol are the best. This can include baiting with 1080 poison, followed up by a warren destruction program by mechanical ripping and fumigating any reopened holes.