Call to Action
Dear Horse Owners & Enthusiasts - Please forward onto club members, horse owners and enthusiasts from all sectors of the horse industry.
The South Australian Government has determined that there is not enough "cause" to provide any compensation funds for not-for-profit horse organisations who have cancelled or postponed events in a supportive effort to help keep Equine Influenza out of South Australia.
Horse SA is strongly encouraging all horse clubs and peak bodies to write to the State Government. It is suggested that you write to Minister Rory McEwen 51 Gray Street, MOUNT GAMBIER 5290 Email mtgambier@parliament.sa.gov.au
And send a copy to Dr Duncan Mc Fetridge morphett@parliament.sa.gov.au
and a copy to Horse SA horsesa@horsesa.asn.au
In your letter
1. Outline who you are, how many VOTES are attached to your club (direct members, approx number of adult persons associated with members of your club and supporters)
2. List the horse gatherings by date that have been cancelled or postponed
3. Say how by helping keep Equine Influenza out of South Australia, your club/event has lost funds
4. Say who else has missed out, e.g. Donation to local hospital from annual event
5. Ask for an urgent RECONSIDERATION of
a) support for not-for-profit groups who have not been able to conduct normal fundraising events and activities and
b) consideration for extra Government investment in PIRSA so that there are the funds needed to continue to help the horse industry get back to normal.
****Club secretaries; please encourage each and every member to send a letter******
Race clubs ** your help is also needed to raise awareness of EI impact.
What else can you do??
1. Write to your local newspaper with similar information, in the letters to the editor
2. Follow the link to the “Vote4horses” website on the Horse SA homepage and make sure that each Federal Election Candidate in your Electorate is aware of the impact of Equine Influenza in your area and other issues, as listed. Ask them what have they done for the horse industry in the last 4 years and what are they going do for the horse industry in the next 4 years?
3. Ask your National horse body to also write to the SA Government and to Federal Election candidates or even just the leaders of each party.
Contributions of Governments in non-affected statesOn the 3rd October, the Victorian Government announced a $2.2 million dollar package
(media release excerpt)
$950,000 for intensive public awareness campaign
$500,000 for not-for-profit recreational horse organisations that have cancelled events to help reduce the risk of EI entering Victoria
$350,000 for increased surveillance activity
$205,000 for improved diagnostic equipment for the Victorian DPI
$200,000 to assist with improved compliance for border controls
On the 27th October, the Western Australian Government announced at $1.225 million package:
(media release excerpt)
The $1.225million package will fund a range of initiatives that will be consistent with the current national containment and eradication policy and benefit all in the equine industries. It will include:
• $750,000 for an EI awareness/media campaign to ensure the horse industries and the general public are aware of the disease characteristics and the ways in which it can be transmitted;
• $350,000 to provide for a certified EI isolation facility for the high value thoroughbred, pacing and equestrian industries;
• $100,000 for veterinary equipment and services associated with EI Biosecurity; and
• $25,000 for the training of veterinarians in EI processes and procedures
Horse SA has tried to lobby on behalf of industry for an injection of funds and has little response. This has included the October 4th Government Briefing and two letters to the Premier.
The Department for Trade and Economic Development has responded with assistance in conducting a series of business contingency planning workshops. This is gratefully received, but does not fully recognise the great difficulties faced by clubs and events in helping keep Equine Influenza out of South Australia.
1. List of new round of EI workshops on Horse SA homepage
2. Reminder, Clare EI workshop this Thursday at Clare Golf Club
3. Notes from Dr Rahaley's presentation on Horse SA homepage
1. See notice above about request for ALL horse owners to write to Members of Parliament and Federal Election Candidates - and a visit or attend a function they are at if you have time. Arrange a delegation from your own horse organisation!
2. Media Release - Horse SA launches new website www.vote4horses.info Horse SA Media release
3. A link to the list of Federal Election Candidates can be found on the Horse SA homepage. Please make every effort to write to them and personally hand them a copy of horse industry issues. YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT.
1. Visit the Horse SA noticeboard for further information on a range of topics, courses, media releases etc
2. Senior First Aid is cancelled this week, due to lack of numbers
3. Short Course on Horse Property Management, Blewitt Springs, Weds Nov 21st, Nov 28th and Sat Dec 1st Enq pam.brookman@adelaide.nrm.sa.gov.au or Ph 8391 7505