Western Australian producers with sensitive production systems are reminded to register their property with the Sensitive Sites service.
The Department of Agriculture and Food provides the free service to help accurately report on the location of known sensitive agricultural production systems.
A sensitive site is a commercial property that needs special consideration due to the nature of the production system. Examples include certified organic, certified biodynamic, aquaculture, horticulture, viticulture and tree nurseries.
Department Development Officer Rosalie McCauley said the Sensitive Sites service assisted producers to prepare informed risk assessment and risk mitigation plans for their ongoing production activities.
“Additionally the service enables them to help protect sensitive agricultural production systems in their area,” she said.
The department updates Sensitive Sites information annually, with 261 sites listed with the service in 2013.
The registration period for growers to register their property as a Sensitive Site for the 2014 map runs until 31 January 2014.
“DAFWA will contact all growers currently registered as a Sensitive Site to remind them to check their registration and advise us of any changes, but we also welcome registrations from new participants,” Dr McCauley said.
She added while the Sensitive Sites service provided an additional information source for producers, it was important that they continue to communicate directly with their neighbours.
Producers who wish to register for Sensitive Sites 2014 should send an email to sensitivesites@agric.wa.gov.au [1] or contact Rosalie McCauley on +61 (0)8 9368 3787 or Katherine Smart on +61 (0)8 9368 3871.
The current Sensitive Sites map can be viewed at agric.wa.gov.au [2]
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937