14 May 2012

The Queensland Fruit Fly: Why have no lessons been learnt?

“We are appalled that some organisations are even discussing the possibility of aerial spraying for the Queensland Fruit Fly. Malathion, one of the main weapons of choice, is a toxic carcinogen and even ground spraying with this may necessitate wholesale evacuations”, said Helen Wiseman-Dare of West Aucklanders Against Aerial Spraying, today.

“The last government spent hundreds of millions of dollars on three aerial spraying campaigns over populated areas, including massive PR campaigns, due to their biosecurity failures”.

“It appears no lessons have been learnt”, she said.

West Aucklanders Against Aerial Spraying are demanding to know why this government is not urgently pursuing safe alternatives to spraying of toxic chemicals, such as release of sterile male insects for mating disruption, artifical pheromones or other biocontrols?

“Are residents once again to be expected to bear the costs to their health and lives?”

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