Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed an announcement that farmers will be able to have their grain treated with bromadiolone to help combat the mouse plague, with treatment sites to be opened in Dubbo and Mudgee.
Mr Saunders said primary producers will be able to have their grain treated by the mouse-killing chemical at the sites free of charge. This could then be used in combination with zinc phosphide to create multiple options for primary producers.
“I’ve been on the ground and seen the impact these vile vermin are having on our farming families. But the use of bromadiolone gives them another tool against the mice to use in conjunction with zinc phosphide and other methods,” Mr Saunders said.
“Certified Local Land Services staff will be able treat farmers’ grain with bromadiolone free of charge so they can build a mice-free fortress to protect their paddocks. When used in conjunction with in-field zinc phosphide baiting, landholders will have a multi-layered defence against the rodents.
“The NSW Government has secured 5,000 locally-sourced litres of this mice-killing chemical. Now it is up to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to give us approval, once we get that we can start treating grain within days.
“Other sites will be opened in Nyngan and Walgett meaning that a large section of farmers in the wider western region will be able to get access to this necessary treatment.
The free grain treatment is part of the NSW Government’s $50 million support package to manage the impacts on regional communities, which also includes bait rebates for households and small businesses, community workshops and targeted pest research.
Mr Saunders has encouraged farmers to register for grain treatment online at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/mice or by calling their nearest Local Land Services office.
“People can register their interest online and as soon as each site is open we will let them know when and where to bring their grain for treatment,” he said.
Sites will operate in rotation and by appointment to ensure access for staff and customers.