AGRICULTURE  Minister Jackie Jarvis will meet with the Stable Fly Action Group (SFAG) in the next few weeks, a state government spokesperson has confirmed.

In Review of stable fly plan and BAM Act still ongoing (Echo News, June 13) SFAG president Bob Wilson said the group hadn’t been able to speak with Ms Jarvis directly about their concerns.

The spokesperson said Ms Jarvis had not received correspondence from the group requesting a meeting.

“Following queries from the Echo, the office of Minister Jarvis proactively reached out to SFAG,” the spokesperson said.

“A meeting request from SFAG was then received on June 20 and the Minister will meet with the group in coming weeks.”

Mr Wilson said SFAG requested a meeting with Ms Jarvis twice in 2023.

The first request was on March 5 and the second  on December 28.

He said he was surprised to be contacted by the Minister’s office after the Echo News article was written.

Mr Wilson said SFAG also asked MLA Shane Love to write to the Minister to arrange a meeting on behalf of the group.

The state government spokesperson said the transition of responsibilities under the stable fly management plan to local government authorities (LGAs) was made to enable them to undertake compliance activities in addition to their ongoing educational role.

“Any non-compliance identified by local government officers can be referred to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) for enforcement action where appropriate.”

Mr Wilson agreed LGAs could refer to DPIRD but believed more action was needed.

“What we’ve seen in the past is that any time there’s been a referral for DPIRD, DPIRD have said their answer is education.

“So there has not been a prosecution.”

He said the lack of action was impacting the wellbeing of animals.

DPIRD’s stable fly fact sheet stated when animals were bitten by the pest, it could lead to pain and stress and also had the potential to transmit a range of diseases.

“Affected animals will try to avoid the swarming flies by stamping their feet,vigorously swishing their tail, throwing their heads and kicking sand up onto their legs and body,” DPIRD said.

“The constant movement of animals due to the agitation of the flies can lead to stress, dehydration, and weight loss.”

“It’s the animals that are suffering mainly,” Mr Wilson said.

“It is an animal welfare issue but it’s not being caused by the farmers who are watching their animals suffer.”

Mr Wilson called on the government to allocate funding to research how the problem could be solved.