The City of Victor Harbor has joined the other Fleurieu councils in voting to stay GM free.

Mayor Moira Jenkins released a statement saying council would apply to the state government to remain an area free of genetically modified (GM) crops.

Council made the decision at its 28 September ordinary meeting, following a community consultation period seeking public submissions.

“Understanding that there are advantages and disadvantages to GM cropping across South Australia and that one size does not fit all local government areas, the City of Victor Harbor saw remaining GM free as a significant opportunity for its community and wider region,” Mayor Jenkins says.

“The Council acknowledged that Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula already boasts a ‘clean and green’ image, and the decision to apply to be a designated GM free crop area will help protect and enhance this.”

Taking a regional approach was a significant factor in the council debate.

Alexandrina, Yankalilla and Onkaparinga councils have all voted to apply to stay GM free, following community consultation.

“Generally when we think about where our produce comes from we do not associate it with a Council area, rather the region that it originated,” Mayor Jenkins says. 

“The Council believes a regional approach will strengthen the promotion of the Fleurieu Peninsula as being a premium food and wine producing destination, and will be encouraging the Minister to consider this when the Fleurieu councils apply to be designated non-GM cropping areas.”

The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development is Finniss MP David Basham, whose electorate covers a large part of the Fleurieu region.

He will make the final decision on whether any regions will be allowed to join Kangaroo Island in retaining non-GM status. 

His determination will be published in the government Gazette before Sunday, 15 November.

Mayor Jenkins’ full statement is available on the City of Victor Harbor website.