What have we done?

Timeline

Click here to download the timeline of significant events pertaining to the stable (biting) fly problem in WA between 1992 and 31 December 2012
Click here to download the timeline for 2013.
Click here to download the timeline for 2014.
Click here to download the timeline for 2015.

Lobbying
Due to lobbying by SFAG :
  • The government appointed Stable Fly Management Steering Group was reactivated
  • A total ban on the use of Raw Poultry Manure in Shires covered by the Health (Poultry Manure) Regulations has come into force
  • Numerous letters, including copies of SFAG’s publicity folder, have been sent to Members of Parliament of all persuasions, to publicise the problem at a political level, and asking for their support in Parliament for legislation to combat the effects of stable flies

Publicity of the stable fly problem
  • Production of a publicity folder to draw attention to the impacts of stable flies on the community
  • Presentations to Shire Councils
  • Displays at Gingin Expo and Bullsbrook Fair
  • Media releases

Collaboration
  • Support has been obtained from local government, particularly the Shires of Gingin, Dandaragan, Capel, Harvey and the City of Swan and good working relationships developed
  • Working collaboratively with Vegetables WA representatives to determine ways forward to combat stable fly infestation in raw manure and vegetable crop waste, including having constructive input into the section of the VWA Good Practice Guide entitled Good Practice Management of Manures and Vegetable Crop Residue
  • Working collaboratively with the Shire of Gingin officers on reporting and monitoring stable fly outbreaks

Biosecurity & Agricultural Management (BAM) Act 2007
  • Lobbying the State Government to have the section of the VWA Good Practice Guide entitled Good Practice Management of Manures and Vegetable Crop Residue enshrined in the BAM Act legislation

Research and Information Gathering
  • Committee members attended the Waste Management Board's public consultation workshop on Interim Standards for Organics Applied to Land and Draft Organic Strategy in order to have input into dealing with organic wastes

  • The Group carried out its own research into the composting industry, visiting sites and learning about this industry’s endeavours, with a view to helping find solutions for horticulturalists, who will require alternatives to the use of raw poultry manure when it is finally banned