Weed review call

AGRICULTURE Minister Kim Chance has called for an independent review of the skeleton weed eradication program.

Mr Chance has established a five-member panel to be chaired by Dexter Davies.

University of WA weed management expert Professor Stephen Powles and experienced agribusiness consultant Peter Falconer have also been named as members.

There will also be nominees from WA Farmers and the Pastoralists’ and Graziers’ Association.

The panel will report to Mr Chance by June 30.

Grain growers have until June 10 to give their submissions to the panel.

Skeleton weed is a serious threat to WA’s agriculture industry and, if its spread is left unchecked, could leave the State with a $500 million a year cost.

There have been significant outbreaks this year.

Farmers have already agreed to increase the contribution from grain sales to fund the eradication campaign.

They want the Government to match the $10 million contribution they will be making.