Additional random checks at ferry terminals and expanded public education will help protect Kangaroo Island from pests and diseases in the wake of the devastating bushfires.
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A $7.5 million joint state and federal government assistance package has been announced to enhance biosecurity measures and assist with freight costs as animal feed, livestock and donated fencing are shipped to the island.
Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said since the fires, the state government worked with Livestock SA to quickly and efficiently get fodder to the island.
"In recognition that recovery and rebuild activities can increase the risk of introducing new biosecurity threats to the region, increased random checks at ferry terminals and expanded public education can be expected," Mr Whetstone said.
"Weed seeds in fodder and on machinery, potential spread of livestock diseases and potential exposure to honeybee pests and diseases, are some of the worries we want to alleviate for fire-affected farmers."
The assistance package is in addition to the recently announced $10,000 small business grants for Kangaroo Island.
More than 200,000 hectares of the island were burnt by the fire in December and January with hundreds of buildings and kilometres of fencing destroyed and thousands of sheep and cattle killed.
Australian Associated Press
