Chemical residues
Q: Will there be adequate controls on persistent chemicals in soil such as dieldrin?
A: The BAM Act provides for regulations to more effectively manage land treated with persistent chemicals. The regulations provide for recognition of the land managed under quality assurance programs in a partnership with the industry.
Q: When purchasing land can I find out if there are any known persistent residues on a property?
A: Details of all areas known to have persistent chemical residues are being identified and will be recorded in the Landgate Properties of Interest Register. A person purchasing a property can check if the property is recorded and, if it is, ask the department for details. For further information go to the Landgate website.
Q: As a livestock buyer will I be able to check the status of animals I wish to buy, to ensure they are suitable for my purposes?
A: The BAM Act and Regulations provide for disclosure of residue status where it is relevant to the party enquiring. For example, an abattoir may check the residue status of a property or animals before purchase, and be advised if the animals are under any restriction or subject to sampling requirements.
Q: Will our consumers and export markets be protected from chemical residues?
A: The previous controls on agricultural products with residues has been maintained and there is additional responsibility on producers to ensure that the agricultural produce they supply does not have residues above the maximum residue limit.
Q: Were vendor declarations made mandatory?
A: Vendor declarations have not become mandatory, but it is recognised that some industry sectors require such declarations for commercial reasons.
Q: Is the Soil and Land Conservation Act being replaced and, if not, why not? Why doesn’t the BAM Act deal with land conservation and land drainage?
A: No, the Soil and Land Conservation Act remains in place. Land conservation and land drainage is an intrinsic part of natural resource management (NRM) and is more appropriately incorporated into NRM legislation. No other Australian State has sought to incorporate NRM and biosecurity provisions under the same piece of legislation. Land conservation issues are not considered in legislation that deals with biosecurity risks.