GPA URGES BIOSECURITY FACTS AND VIGILANCE

Grain Producers Australia is urging growers, industry stakeholders and the general public to remain vigilant on biosecurity after the recent Khapra beetle detection and subsequent response program that’s now underway.

GPA represents all Australian grain producers with essential responsibilities for managing biosecurity responses through the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), as members of Plant Health Australia.

This includes; participating in response efforts in the event of a national emergency, through the National Management Group and other committees. In these response processes, GPA has the authority to invite biosecurity experts to attend these meetings and provide accurate advice and information, on the relevant pest; including scientific evaluations.

GPA Chair, Barry Large, said he was fully aware of this Khapra detection in imported goods and was taking it very seriously, as part of GPA’s representative roles and responsibilities for all grain producers.  

“GPA totally understands that Khapra beetle is a serious stored grain pest – and we also know it’s currently not present in Australia,” he said.  

“That’s why we’ll continue supporting this response effort, and working tirelessly with all stakeholders – including federal and state governments – to ensure our status remains free of this pest and the interests of Australian grain producers are properly protected. 

“And we’ll continue fighting hard to apply resources in the right areas and ensure we safeguard the broader grains industry’s interests, and protect the Australian community.’ 

GPA Chief Executive, Colin Bettles, cautioned against speculating on elements of the biosecurity response and risking the spread of misinformation.

“To avoid confusion and catastrophising, GPA recommends all growers and industry members ensure they access the right sources, to obtain the facts and verified information,” he said. 

“Language and the right use of terminology is also important, so everyone understands how this response is being managed, by the relevant authorities, to properly safeguard our industry.  

“This is a detection associated with imported goods and that’s the right terminology to use.

It’s also vitally important we make it very clear Australia is currently free from Khapra beetle – and GPA will continue working to ensure this doesn’t change. 

“GPA is involved in these processes working and communicating with other key stakeholders managing this interception – and there’s no room for complacency or missteps.” 

GPA Northern Region Grower Director, Matthew Madden, is the GPA representative on the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests. CCEPP is the key technical coordinating body, between various stakeholders, to PHA and the NMG, for managing plant pest emergencies. 

Mr Madden said these processes allowed verified information to be compiled, by relevant authorities and once approved it can be shared publicly, to support the response effort, with access to factual communications. 

“I urge all growers and grains industry members to access the right information, verified from the right sources, so we can understand the facts and be on the right page, for this very important situation,” he said. 

Mr Large said GPA would continue to remain engaged with the key stakeholders, and working through the CCEPP arrangements, to manage the detection, supporting the current response activities.  

“We’ve also spoken to Woolworths and will use our experiences in managing biosecurity emergency responses to ensuring the response effort also remains vigilant – especially tracking and traceability actions – to do what we do best for growers,” he said. 

Mr Large said growers and other stakeholders needed to ensure they accessed the updated information from the right source – DAFF HERE 

He said the general public also needed to step up and support the response effort, by being fully aware and knowing what they can do, if they suspect a detection. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO. 

• If you have purchased Little One’s Ultra Dry Nappy Pants - Walker Size 5 (42pk) or any goods with signs of insect or pest activity, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) advises:   

1. Do not use the goods,  

2. Do not dispose of the goods or their packaging,  

3. Do not return the goods to store.  

• Double-bag the goods using plastic or Ziplock bags and seal with tape. Place in the freezer if possible, and do not move them. This will prevent spread.  

• Call 1800 798 636 or visit Report a pest or disease concern HERE 

• You will then be contacted by DAFF about what to do next.   

• If you have an impacted product, to discuss refund or replacement options, do not return the goods to store. Even if you need to contact Woolworths customer service (via Woolworths Customer Service) we ask that you retain the goods until contacted by DAFF to prevent the spread of the beetles. 

• People need to be particularly vigilant when opening goods that have been imported from overseas or have been ordered online, as sometimes the origin of products online may not be evident.    

• People working with imported goods, at ports, in warehouses or those transporting containers, need to be vigilant for hitchhiker pests. The department has several short videos HERE that will help you identify khapra beetle and how to keep containers clean so they are not susceptible to khapra beetle  

ENDS