NSW Farmers’ has thanked the NSW Government for listening to producers and unveiling a $7 million funding boost and eradication-focused direction for the NSW Cattle Tick Program.
NSW Farmers’ Biosecurity Committee chair Tony Hegarty said farmers had engaged constructively with the NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner’s review process, and it was important that the NSW Government respond quickly to the findings and recommendations.
“We acknowledge the Commissioner’s engagement with farmers during the review, including producers who took the time to share on-ground realities from the border region,” Mr Hegarty said.
“We also thank Minister Tara Moriarty for a timely response to the report, and for backing the findings with an initial $7 million funding commitment.
“While this is an important down payment on rebuilding capability, we will be seeking further detail on how the $7 million will be allocated, including what it means in practice for surveillance, treatment support, compliance capacity and producer engagement.”
Mr Hegarty said NSW Farmers’ particularly welcomed the government’s commitment to eradication, including the commitment to deliver the first Cattle Tick Eradication Action Plan by September 30 this year and the focus on strengthening technical capability and collaboration.
“We welcome the clear shift back to eradication rather than long-term management,” he said.
“Producers have been calling for a program that is properly set up and resourced to stop cattle tick crossing the border and threatening livelihoods.
“We also welcome the commitment to strengthen resourcing through DPIRD and Local Land Services, and to ensure the program has strong veterinary oversight and capability.
“Importantly, the government has committed to developing the new tick plan in collaboration with stakeholders. We look forward to ensuring producers’ voices are a critical input into that plan – because the settings have to work in the real world, not just on paper.”
Mr Hegarty said the ongoing challenge of cattle tick and tick fever could not be left to individual landholders to manage alone.
“Producers can’t manage tick infestation on their own. Government must continue to have a key role in addressing this challenge because it is putting a brake on cattle producers and significantly affecting their livelihoods,” Mr Hegarty said.
“As this action plan is developed, NSW Farmers’ will continue advocating for a program that is transparent and practical, including better public access to information on outbreaks and tick fever risk, strong on-ground resourcing, and clear processes that support rapid response and protect neighbouring properties.”
NSW Farmers also urged the NSW Government to ensure cross-border co-ordination matches the intent of eradication.
“Cattle ticks don’t stop at the border. We strongly encourage the Minister to ensure the Queensland Government works with New South Wales so the eradication objective is achievable, and so northern NSW producers aren’t left carrying an unfair burden,” Mr Hegarty said.
