The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) allows for biosecurity groups to become formally recognised, which can then request the State Government to raise a Declared Pest Rate (DPR) to support their work in managing declared pests within their prescribed area.
The Carnarvon Growers Association (CGA) became recognised in 2016, and now raises a DPR for the control of Mediterranean fruit fly in the Carnarvon area. 2018-19 is the second year that the CGA has raised a rate.
The DPR is not spent by Government. The State Government in fact matches all rates raised dollar-for-dollar, and these funds along with rates are made available to each RBG to fund their activities.
In 2018-19, twelve (12) RBGs operating across most of Western Australia raised a DPR for the control of priority declared pests in their prescribed areas.
2018-19 rates for Carnarvon
The 2018-19 DPR notices received by Carnarvon growers late last year were calculated using the unimproved value of land (provided by the Valuer General), and was applicable to all land identified as freehold on the rural valuation roll under the Valuation of Land Act 1978.
However, this model did not properly acknowledge differences in scale of operations, and some commercial growers were not included because of their zoning.
The State Government has since reviewed the rates determined using this model, and is now proposing a new flat rating model based on the size of properties. The rate will also apply to properties currently engaged in commercial horticultural activities that were not previously rated.
This new model will result in a reduction in the rate to be paid by most growers in 2018-19. For the handful of growers whose rate will increase under the new model, the State Government will refund the difference so they will not be worse off this financial year.
The proposed flat rate model per property is set out below:
| Hectare range | Fixed rate |
|---|---|
| 0-5ha | $ 390 |
| >5-10ha | $ 700 |
| >10-15ha | $ 1100 |
| >15-20ha | $ 1200 |
| >20-25ha | $ 1325 |
| >25-30ha | $ 1625 |
| >30ha | $ 1800 |
The Department is seeking feedback on this new proposed model. The submission period opens on Wednesday 16 January 2019, and closes Monday 18 February 2019. Submissions can be sent to:
Declared Pest Rate
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
PO Box 1231
BUNBURY WA 6230
Email: dpr@dpird.wa.gov.au
Achieving Medfly freedom in Carnarvon will reduce crop losses and production costs, and increase opportunities to access national and international markets.