An AEPMA NSW ACT State Council meeting was held on 3 February 2018 at 10.00 am at Tea Gardens. Thank you to Shayne and Lynn Reynolds of Pelican Pest Control for organizing the weekend and the Saturday afternoon boat trip. While the yearly event was not attended as well as we would have liked it, we all did have a great weekend. As usual, it was pleasing to see Stephen Ware (NED) and his wife Ann-Marie attending the event.
After the usual procedures of apologies (and we had a lot) and accepting the previous meeting minutes we got straight down to business. It was unfortunate to have Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) in town as we lost a few people to the show. I was told it was a good show and worth it.
Lot of things were discussed such as the meeting held on 12 December 2017 with the NSW EPA representatives and AEPMA NSW/ ACT delegates including Mal Trotter (Pink Pest Control and Life Member), Richard Doyle (Rentokil), Kevin Parsons (Globe), Patrick Legey (Austrapest) and Stephen Ware (National Office).
NSW EPA have advised us that they were waiting for outcomes of a review of the Agvet Chemical Task Group in order to complete the licensing of pest management. It is very strange that, although agricultural chemicals were such a small part of the pest management business, it was still holding up licensing of pest control operations.
NSW EPA is also developing a code of practice for Pest Management and this had been as a result to the fact there was no criteria on which the EPA could refuse licensing and it was felt by some people, that by signing to a code of practice, they could be stopped from undertaking pest management if they did not adhere to the code of practice. It also means a lot of work for AEPMA to ensure this new NSW EPA Code of Practice is something we can all work with… 2018 is shaping to be another challenging working year for all of us at AEPMA and we will need all the help and best wishes we can get!
Patrick Legey said that the Association has a good relationship with NSW EPA, but it was a bit frustrating that the earlier gains that had been made in respect of licensing were being held up for other reasons.
Codes of Practices: 
We now have five Code of Practices:
A Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestations in Australia
A Code of Practice for Pest Management in the Food Industry
A Code of Practice for Prior to Purchase Timber Pest Inspections
AEPMA’s Industry Code of Best Practice for Termite Management during New Construction.
AEPMA’s Industry Code of Best Practice for Termite Management (existing Buildings).
We encourage all members to read and be familiar with the new Codes. Remember the Codes of Practice have been written by Pest Managers for the benefit of the Pest Management Industry and consumers. Download them from the AEPMA website
The Website attracts a lot of enquiries so make sure you sign up to the new Codes to ensure your name and details are on the register for consumers to find. If you have any queries, please contact the National office.
Pest Manager of the Year Award 2018 will open soon, and we encourage Pest Management businesses to have a go and register. The learning experience even if you don’t win, is well worth the effort.
Don’t forget, AEPMA National conference at The Star Gold Coast on the Gold Coast for 19-21 September 2018 “The Changing Marketplace”
– the first day being an international termite day.
Make a note now in your diaries. A great place to have a few days off.
The Star Gold Coast is conveniently located in Broadbeach with walking distance to restaurants, shops, beach and plenty to do for all family members.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me or the National Office on 1300 307 114.
The next AEPMA NSW/ ACT State Council meeting (AGM) will be held in Sydney on 11th May 2018 at the offices of Agserv.
Patrick Legey, Chairman on behalf of the AEPMA NSW ACT State Council
Phone: 0438 022984 or email: Patrick@austrapest.com.au
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