Bug outbreak threatens cotton

5th February 2010

A MAJOR outbreak of exotic bugs is threatening the Central Highlands' cotton industry.

OUTBREAK: Emerald's cotton industry is under threat.

Nadine Kennedy

A MAJOR outbreak of exotic bugs is threatening the Central Highlands' cotton industry.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin was too busy axing frontline staff to act on the serious outbreak of exotic mealybugs now rampant across cotton farms in and around Emerald, the Opposition has said.

LNP primary industries spokesman Ray Hopper said the fact the outbreak of exotic bugs Phenacoccus solenopsis - endemic to India and Pakistan - had been known for two months, but no lock-down or management plan had been put in place, was disgraceful.

“This is potentially devastating for our cotton industry,” Mr Hopper said.

“The fact nothing’s been done since the bugs were found in December is an absolute disgrace and underlines what I’ve been saying about the failure of the Bligh Government and Minister Mulherin to take agriculture seriously.

“Instead of sneaking around and axing frontline extension and research officers in the lead up to Christmas, why wasn’t Mr Mulherin acting to control this exotic pest?

“Why wasn’t a lock-down with control lines put in place … Where was the management plan and why has it taken the minister until today (Thursday) to even publicly acknowledge that this exotic and serious pest is out of the bag?”

Mr Hopper said he understood at least 30 cotton farms in the Emerald district were infested and fears were held the pest had already found its way to the Burdekin.

“This is an absolute disaster and proves Minister Mulherin must be replaced by someone who’ll take the job seriously and not focus solely on cutting staff and services.

“Surely the Government understands the ultimate cost to Queensland of controlling this pest will potentially be so much greater than if proper control and management measures had been put in place immediately after the mealybugs were first found?”

For more on the outbreak, see Wednesday's Central Queensland News.