After months of wrangling between politicians, unions and farmers’ groups, a 100-worker pre-pilot scheme got the nod on Thursday, despite fears the Federal Government was on the verge of dumping the plan.

Workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea are expected in Griffith before Christmas to help clear the massive backlog of fruit picking work.

And it’s not a moment too soon, according to Griffith and District Citrus Growers secretary Louis Sartor.

“This scheme is of vital importance and will give us access to

reliable labour and ensure we can meet our contracts,” Mr Sartor said.

“We’re a month into the Valencia season and we’ll have the processors going in the next couple of weeks, so it’s a crucial time.”

Mr Sartor stressed the industry was not looking for cheap labour. And they won’t get it. Farmers will be forced to front for half the cost of the airfares for the workers and pay the full award rate for their labour.

Riverina MP Kay Hull applauded the decision to accept the pilot, but said any move to give the workers permanent residency was fraught with danger.

“There has been significant

discussion on the fact they should be given permanent residency and I think that’s extremely wrong,” Mrs Hull said.

“I don’t see what right we have to rob these countries of their own futures.

“This work will provide these young people with an opportunity to go back to their countries with the money and skills to build their nations.”

Vanuatu-born Anna Berry, who has been heavily involved in negotiations as part of Summit Personnel, said granting the workers citizenship would “defeat the purpose” of the scheme.

“If we were to keep the workers here for good, there would be no point in these countries getting involved,” Mrs Berry said.

Mrs Berry said she was hopeful about 50 workers would be here in the coming weeks.

An advisory body will be established in Griffith comprising representatives from local growers, council, unions and other community organisations. This body will receive grower applications for the workers and advise labour-hire companies on suitable accommodation and transport for workers, as well as help resolve disputes and help them integrate into the community.

The pilot also involves Victoria’s Swan Hill-Robinvale region.