The adequacy of the measures to inform the community of the presence of the abalone virus in South East waters has brought the State Government and Opposition into dispute.
Riverland-based Shadow Regional Affairs Minister Nicola Centofanti based her claims on her recent visit to the region.
“We heard from locals who were concerned about the spread of abalone virus along the southern coast,” Ms Centofoanti said.
“We heard about a lack of local awareness, little public notices for tourists travelling in the area, and no mechanism of self-reporting.
“Whilst there is a lot of information about this on the PIRSA website, with links to code of conduct and control measures to prevent spread, there is clearly a gap in transferring this information to people on the ground and in the regions, where it is most needed.
“It is crucial that biosecurity plans are clearly communicated with those communities affected to not only minimise spread but maximise confidence in the process.”
Her claims have been refuted by Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven who lives at Port MacDonnell.
She said the State Government implemented a significant education campaign, particularly during the summer break to ensure public awareness of the abalone virus which is also known as AVG.
Minister Scriven said this included messaging over a range of PIRSA electronic platforms and radio advertisements on local stations.
“Roadside Variable Messaging signs trailers alerting the community to the abalone virus and the decontamination requirements have been located at Tailem Bend, Port Wakefield, Cape Jervis, Wallaroo and at Port Augusta leading to the virus-free Central and Western Abalone Fishery zones,” Minister Scriven said.
“Variable Message Signs have also been located at key SE sites including two
on major arterial roads at the SA/Victoria border and one at Robe.
“Corflute signage has been distributed across popular diving locations across the South East.
“In addition to this, permanent roadside signage is currently being developed for key sites.
“PIRSA has worked alongside South Australia Police at roadside inspections to promote awareness of the disease and check for decontamination compliance in the South East.
“Brochures about the abalone virus and the decontamination requirements have been provided to tackle shops, service stations, tourist parks, local councils and road stops at key locations across the state and promoted on social media.
“Individual flyers have been distributed to fishers by PIRSA staff.
“PIRSA has been working with the wider abalone industry across South Australia to implement these initiatives and there has been positive feedback from authorities and members of the public.
“It has been widely promoted through the education campaign that suspected abalone can be reported via the Fishwatch hotline and through the SA Fishing app, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”