GM crop spill worries Greens

About 15 tonnes of genetically modified canola spilled after a road train trailer overturned on South Coast Highway last Friday, prompting concern from the Greens about possible GM contamination.

The truck was travelling west along the highway when the third trailer dislodged on a bend and skidded about 70m, spilling grain at the Cheyne Road intersection.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewart said such spills needed to be treated as a serious biohazard, given the threat of widespread GM contamination.

“As we have seen with the case of Steve Marsh, non-GM farmers face huge financial losses if their crops are contaminated,” she said.

“A release of this nature could also seriously threaten our natural environment.

“It is vital that the spills are treated carefully, properly cleaned up and closely monitored. Mr Marsh, a Kojonup farmer, is suing his neighbour Michael Baxter for contamination of his organic grain crops, with Supreme Court justice Kenneth Martin expected to hand down his findings in the case this month.

A CBH spokeswoman said the grain spill was cleaned up over the weekend.

“CBH Group representatives attended the site and provided assistance, at the request of the contractor, and the estimated 15 tonnes of grain that spilled on to the roadway has now been removed,” she said.

“The CBH Group will continue to work with the transport contractor and local authorities to ensure the area is monitored and take the necessary steps if any grain germination is detected.”

Police said it was fortunate no motorists were at the Cheyne Road intersection when the trailer overturned.

The driver was uninjured.