Tasmanian Government Media Release - 4 June 2008
The deadline for public comment on the proposed new regulatory requirements for aerial and ground spraying of pesticides has been extended until Monday 28 July by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn.
The original closing date for submissions was Monday 23 June. Strong feedback from key industry bodies indicated that they were having difficulty getting their members together to respond on time to draft aerial and ground spraying regulations. Due to the high level of interest, industry has stated that the current six-week period for comment is too short to engage fully with their constituents and frame a response, so the deadline has been extended accordingly.
The Government are looking for practical suggestions about the appropriate ways to implement any changes. They are aware that there is a wide range of agricultural practices and industries in Tasmania and are sensative to different needs. They are committed to achieving best-practice outcomes across the State, for all Tasmanians, in line with community expectations.
The tightening of regulations for both aerial and ground spraying was part of a review of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Regulations 1996, in response to concern in the community about the spraying of pesticides.
While recognising that agricultural chemicals play an important role in many agricultural production systems, the Government also recognise the community's expectation that these chemicals will be strictly regulated and monitored.
The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Reegulations 2008 have been drafted to provide the proposed new regulatory requirements of both aerial and ground spraying.
A consultation paper has been prepared which highlights and details the key chnages from the current situation.
Both the consultation paper and regulations are available to all stakeholders.
The paper and regulations are available online at www.dpiw.tas.gov.au under the what's new section.
To receive the documents or further information, people are welcome to contact Peter Lee-Archer on (03) 6336 5252
