QUEENSLAND growers are running out of time to prepare for new workplace exposure limits (WELs) on phosphine due to come into effect on December 1.

While the Victoria,n New South Wales, South Australian and Western Australian governments have allowed an extension to the proposed introduction date as nominated by Safe Work Australia, the Queensland Government is yet to follow suit.

The new limits cover phosphine, the fumigant the grains industry relies on to protect stored grain, as well as grain dust and other substances critical to agriculture.

AgForce Grains president Brendan Taylor said industry had asked the Queensland Government for clarity before November.

“We’ve had good engagement with the government, and we thank them for it, but every week without a decision adds cost and uncertainty for grain businesses,” Mr Taylor said.

“Growers need clarity and a delay now.”

“After a tough year of high input costs and prices that haven’t kept pace, the recent rain has delayed harvest and pushed more storage and fumigation into December, just as the new limits are due to start.

“Without a decision, Queensland growers will face rules they don’t yet have a clear way to measure or comply with, while growers in other states have more time to prepare; Queensland growers need the same certainty.”

Mr Taylor said AgForce was working with a united grains industry and was not asking for safety to be compromised.

“A deferral costs the Queensland Budget nothing, keeps grain moving at harvest and backs the regional communities that depend on it.”

AgForce is asking the Queensland Government to defer implementation of the new WELs for phosphine, grain dust and other relevant substances until 1 December 2029, and to work with industry on practical guidance.

AgForce stands ready to help get clear information to growers as soon as a decision is made.

“Growers can’t control the weather or the markets; this is one uncertainty the Government can take off the table.”

Source: AgForce