Relocation of quarantine checkpoint from Norseman to WA/SA border

25/1/96

Security against diseases, pests and weeds entering the State will be strengthened with the relocation of the quarantine checkpoint from Norseman to the Western Australian and South Australian border.

Primary Industry Minister Monty House today announced that a site adjacent to the Border Village Roadhouse on the WA-SA border had been chosen as the most appropriate location.

The site was chosen ahead of the Eucla townsite, 12 kilometres from the border.

"Moving the facility to the border of WA and South Australia will ensure all vehicles entering the State by the Eyre Highway will have to pass through the checkpoint," Mr House said.

"The Norseman facility is some 700 kilometres from the border and provides no protection for the Nullarbor area."

Mr House said by locating the checkpoint at the border, there was the possibility of it becoming a future joint operation with the South Australian Government, which operates a quarantine checkpoint at Ceduna.

It also eliminated any confusion over which States' laws applied when transporting livestock or fruit across the border.

Mr House said that by building the checkpoint adjacent to the Border Village Roadhouse it also paved the way for a one-stop tourist centre for those entering WA.

"There is now the opportunity for the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) and Tourism Commission to promote the State as tourists cross the border," Mr House said.

The GEDC has already received $45,000 Federal Government funding for the project.

The six WA Quarantine Inspection Service staff who will operate the service will be accommodated at Eucla where there are established community facilities.

The new checkpoint will be operational by late 1996 with the cost of building the new facility and roadworks estimated at $616,000.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 481 2044