Growers and Southern Downs Regional Council unite against ‘unacceptable threat’ to region’s $75m apple industry

Growers and government representatives have united against a proposal to import apples from the US, arguing it would threaten both national biosecurity and the region’s own $75m apple industry.

CRUNCH TIME: Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi was a strong advocate in fighting for the future of the region’s $75M+ apple industry. Picture: Deirdre Smith / NRM

Southern Downs growers and government representatives have united against a proposal to import apples from the US, with fears it could threaten both national biosecurity and the region’s own $75m apple industry.

The Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment released a draft report in October last year proposing the importation of fresh apples from the US Pacific Northwest.

Twenty-four pests were identified in the report’s risk analysis as requiring “risk management measures” against biosecurity threats, including apple maggots, eastern flower thrips, and fire blight bacteria.

A report tabled at the Southern Downs Regional Council ordinary meeting on Wednesday revealed Apple and Pear Australian Ltd had written to the council in April to gain support in opposing the Federal Government initiative.

“APAL is concerned that biosecurity risks presented by any importation have not been adequately considered, leaving the Australian apple industry open to unacceptable threats from exotic disease incursion,” the report read.

“Plant biosecurity and quarantine are matters for state and federal governments. However, (SDRC) has significant interest in the protection of the local apple industry, which is worth an estimated $75 million to the Southern Downs economy annually.”

Southern Downs councillors voted unanimously in favour of writing a letter of opposition to Member for Maranoa David Littleproud, with many local representatives openly voicing their disapproval of the government proposal.

“My belief is in the international environment we’re facing at the moment, we need to be looking after our own backyard and be self-sufficient as a nation … we need to make sure we’re looking after our growers and agricultural industry,” councillor Cynthia McDonald said.

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow councillors Sheryl Windle and Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley.

“It’s not just apples either, it’s across the board. I hate when I go shopping and see asparagus that’s imported from Mexico and refuse to buy it, because it’s grown here on our doorstep,” Cr Windle added.

Mayor Vic Pennisi and councillor Stephen Tancred also suggested the region’s apple industry was worth between $100 million and $150 million.

The fight against the proposed importation comes only weeks after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $371 million biosecurity package, which was aimed at strengthening Australia’s capacity to both keep out exotic pests and deal with a disease outbreak.