Shattercane-affected sorghum growers in class action

LEGAL firm Creevey Russell Lawyers has launched a class action on behalf of sorghum growers impacted by the shattercane weed produced by contaminated seeds.

LOOKING AHEAD: Queensland’s sorghum crop outlook overall is for a yield above the long-term median for the state but, as usual, variations will exist between regions.

QUEENSLAND legal firm Creevey Russell Lawyers has launched a class action on behalf of sorghum growers impacted by the aggressive Shattercane weed produced by contaminated seeds.

Creevey Russell Principal Dan Creevey said the firm had lodged a claim in the Queensland Supreme Court on behalf of Sorghum growers and was calling for more affected growers to come forward.

"It is the first representative proceeding filed in the Supreme Court of Queensland following amendments to the Civil Proceedings Act in November last year and we are very proud to be the first to file such an historic claim," Mr Creevey said.

Creevey Russell Lawyers has opened an online registration portal for anyone impacted by shattercane to register their interest and share their story via www.creeveyrussell.com.au/shattercane-class-action

"Shattercane grows rapidly and competes aggressively with crop plants, significantly reducing yield, quality and value of harvested seed so this is a massive issue for growers," Mr Creevey said.

"Australia's agricultural industry earns more than $155 billion-a-year but certain sectors of the industry could be under significant threat due to contaminated seeds.

"Contaminated seeds can carry disease, produce low grade harvests which may also in turn produce sterile seeds if contaminated with weed seed. The contaminated seed can be resistant to pesticides and normal processes of crop control."

Mr Creevey said Creevey Russell Lawyers was keen to meet with more sorghum growers impacted by Shattercane.

"If Shattercane is costing you time and money to control and you are concerned about the financial impact on you and the value of your property then Creevey Russell Lawyers are here to assist," he said.

"If you purchased seed contaminated with Shattercane seed then you may have a claim to financial compensation.

"If you believe that your property may be affected by seed that has been contaminated, please contact Creevey Russell Lawyers for a no obligation discussion on your concerns.

"Our rural property law team have a wide experience in advising primary producers."