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The item was taken as read. The Biosecurity Working
Party commenced hearing verbal submissions:
·
Jerry
Greer (submission 138). Long term farmer based in the Argyle area who
supports the proposed changes. Over some 33 years of farming - has witnessed
possum levels at epidemic proportions through to relative control and is
noticing a resurgence in possum numbers over the past two years. Some
landowners are not aware of their pest control obligations. Contractors know
what they are doing and should be utilised. Would like HBRC to consider
bringing smaller lifestyle blocks (less than four hectares) into the PCA
scheme.
·
Tim
Gilbertson (submission 131). Supports the proposed changes. Other pests
including feral cats are a problem – why not control all pests at the
same time? DoC does not undertake possum control and should be brought into
the PCA scheme.
·
Paul
Harris (submission 78). Farmer from the Tutira area. OSPRI provide
him with an indemnity when undertaking possum control for TB reduction purposes.
HBRC need to perform better/more effectively, particularly using more modern
tools. Urban based people are now active in possum control which is most
welcome. Targeted control is ideal. All contractor model is supported but rates
should not increase as a result.
·
Jake
Bowcock (submission 151). Possum contractor and horticulturalist based in Esk
Valley area. Unsure of support for the planned changes- a good idea but the
whole region will need contractors. His current PCA customers could be lost
to another (larger) contractor. Ground based pest control is less effective
than targeted methods - can result in pockets of possums in hard
to reach spots. HBRC should enforce is current rules – target those not
undertaking PCA controls. Possums are not a problem in horticultural areas,
other pests are. Contractors should be able to upscale to
meet demand.
·
Paul
Robottom (submission 118). Not present – no written statement provided
·
Gaius
(Gus) Smith (submission 24). Written statement
provided and read out by Lauren Simmonds. Concerned about costs, health
and safety matters and lifestyle block holders. Trapping, shooting and bait
stations have been effective on our property – don’t need the
extra costs that are likely to follow this change. Contractor health and
safety – they don’t know our property and we would need to guide
them around to ensure their safety. Lifestyle block owners should be involved
in PCA – contractor costs should be met by all landowners, not matter
how small.
·
Shane
Hyde (submission 102). Written statement provided and read out by Lauren
Simmonds. Concerned about the ability of contractors to deliver a pest
control programme that is controlled from a central point (HBRC).
Re-infestation can occur rapidly. Need to use modern technology including
cyanide poisoning from bait stations.
·
Curt
Zant (submission 49). Written statement provided and read out by Lauren
Simmonds. Private property rights are again being eroded – taking
management rights away from owners. State control does not work and rate
costs will be too high. We are controlling possums well on our property and
need to be left alone in this regard.
·
Neil
Aitken (submission 144). Tutira
based farmer for 30 years - has had TB on his farm which has now taken six
years to bring under control. Possum numbers fluctuate - forestry owners need
to do possum control. One rule (for property access) should apply to all
property owners. PCA monitoring system needs to be more individualised
– possums are attracted to certain trees/areas at particular times of
the year. Supports contractors doing pest control rather than HBRC staff.
Farmers should be farming, not doing possum control which they currently do
at no costs to HBRC. Rating system should be different for grassland holdings
versus forestry where possum control is not being done regularly or
consistently. Canopy/tree cover should be guide for the rating system.
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