- Western Australians urged to continue to buy WA strawberries and support local growers
- $100,000 reward offered for information that will assist police with inquiries into strawberry needle contamination
- WA's strawberry industry delivers huge benefits to the economy and deserves the community's support
Premier Mark McGowan has urged Western Australians to get behind the State's strawberry growers and announced a $100,000 reward for anyone with information that would assist police with their investigations into the needle sabotage.
WA's strawberry industry provides about $88 million a year into the State's economy and it is vital that Western Australians continue to support local growers, despite these incidents.
Mr McGowan said the industry was currently in its peak period and strawberries could still be purchased provided they are cut up before consuming.
The WA Police Force is investigating reports of needles being located in strawberries in WA, and the Government of Western Australia will pay a reward of $100,000 for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the current strawberry contamination incidents.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"It is more important than ever that the WA community gets behind our State's strawberry growers and buys local.
"The strawberry industry delivers major benefits to our economy and employs hundreds of Western Australians - they need our support and the best way to do that is to get out and buy WA strawberries.
"Local strawberries are of the highest quality and we want to make sure that everyone can keep enjoying them.
"Every Western Australian should understand that they can still purchase and eat locally grown strawberries. In light of recent events, they should simply cut them before eating.
"The actions of the people behind this needle sabotage are completely unacceptable - it is a serious criminal offence and our WA Police Force are on the case.
"I urge anyone with information to come forward.
"The State Government is working closely with the Strawberry Growers Association of WA to support our growers during this difficult time."
