On the back of the 25 millionth drum delivery in Goomalling recently, Western Australia has celebrated another milestone.
Long-time drumMUSTER supporters and vegetable farmers Mia and Graham Rose delivered the 4 millionth drum to the Harvey Refuse Site on 25 March 2015. It was inspected by Frank Bellairs, who has been involved in the program since 1999.
“We like to keep our farm clean and tidy,” said Mr Rose. “Delivering our drums is not only good for the environment, but it ensures that we meet our QA requirements.”
Mr Rose and his wife clean up their farm in Myalup two times a year – with a major delivery to the Harvey collection site when cropping season finishes.
“We encourage all chemical users in the area to do the same. We don’t want to burn or bury our drums,” said Mrs Rose.
A district farming family for many years, the Roses grow potatoes and carrots. Supply is in demand all across Australia, with high profile companies such as Woolworths seeking their produce.
Over 14,000 empty containers have been collected by the Harvey Shire Council since the collection site opened in February 2000.
drumMUSTER regional consultant for Western Australia Graeme Passmore said, “Western Australian chemical users who use drumMUSTER are very good at what they do. Cleanliness standards are high and there is a real sense of motivation behind the stewardship.”
There were doubts about the program when it was first established in Harvey, not least those held by Harvey Shire Principal Environmental Health Officer Scott Dandridge.
“I’m very glad that I was proven wrong. The council would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring the success of the Harvey collection site, especially Environmental Health Officer Haydn Jones.”
Lauchlan McIntosh, Chairman of AgStewardship Australia, believes that drumMUSTER requires the time and effort of many people to operate effectively.
“From participating manufacturers to dedicated inspectors, the program has grown to become a great example of cooperation between local farmers, the staff at collection points, local government and Agsafe. It’s a very smooth operation.”
drumMUSTER operates 796 collection sites across Australia. To find your nearest site, simply enter your postcode and state under ‘Collection locations’ on the drumMUSTER website. A map will appear showing your closest site.
For further information on the drumMUSTER program, please call 1800 008 707.
Photo caption (from left): Frank Bellairs, Haydn Jones, Graeme Passmore, Scott Dandridge, Lauchlan McIntosh, Mia Rose, Graham Rose, Allan McGann and Stephen Richards.
