Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Howard Springs proposal for fruit pickers
The Howard Springs COVID-19 quarantine facility should be used for foreign fruit pickers to help save Top End growers from financial ruin, farmers say.
June 22, 2021
Spare beds at the Howard Springs COVID-19 quarantine facility should be used for foreign agricultural workers, the Northern Territory Farmers Association says.
Territory growers “desperately” need 2000 fruit pickers to help harvest crops, with many facing financial ruin if a quarantine location isn’t found.
“The Commonwealth government has ignored the pleas of farmers on the issue despite our efforts to propose quarantine solutions to the government,” chief executive Paul Burke said.
‘Capacity is going to waste at the Howard Springs quarantine facility, 1000 beds are not being utilised and could be filled with seasonal workers.”
Farmers have previously suggested that the privately-owned Bladin Point workers’ village – which is similar to the Howard Springs facility and also in Darwin – could be used.
However, it’s presently being rented to US Marines Corps deployed in the Top End, which is using it as a quarantine facility for their arriving servicemen and women.
‘We have workers in the Pacific ready to help save our mango crop,” Mr Burke said.
“Without a quarantine arrangement in place, farmers will be forced to see their crops rot in fields.”
This could lead to some food shortages and some higher prices, Mr Burke said.