Northern Rivers Nationals MPs have launched a Community Petition calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently and properly fund the state’s cattle tick program to better protect producers, livestock, and the future of the beef and dairy industries across regional NSW.
NSW Nationals Leader and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest officially launched the “Flick the Tick” petition today at Primex – Australia’s largest coastal-based agricultural field day.
The petition highlights growing concerns from producers across the North Coast and regional NSW about the spread of cattle tick south of the tick line, the increasing cost of compliance, and the devastating impact infestations are having on farming operations.
The MPs said cattle tick remains one of the most damaging livestock pests in Australia and warned current measures and funding levels are failing to keep pace with the growing threat.
“Our local producers are deeply concerned about the spread of cattle tick and the impact it is having on farm productivity, livestock health and the financial viability of farming operations across the North Coast,” the MPs said.
“The current system is not working and farmers are being left to shoulder enormous costs and operational burdens when infestations occur.
“Producers are being required to undertake extensive treatment programs, movement restrictions and compliance measures, often at significant financial loss, while also trying to protect unaffected stock and neighbouring properties.”
The MPs said while the Minns Labor Government’s recent announcement of an additional $7 million for the cattle tick program was acknowledgement the issue had worsened, it would not be enough to properly tackle the growing biosecurity threat.
“The Government’s announcement is a start, but it simply will not go far enough to deal with the scale of the problem facing our region,” the MPs said.
“This is a major biosecurity issue threatening industries worth hundreds of millions of dollars to regional economies and communities. We need significantly greater investment, stronger border biosecurity, more boots on the ground and direct support for producers.”
The petition is calling on the NSW Government to urgently and properly fund the cattle tick program, provide increased on-land support for farmers, strengthen border protections, and work closely with industry on a long-term eradication and management strategy.
Residents can sign the petition online at Cattle Tick – Sign The Petition – NSW Nationals or by scanning the QR code on MPs’ social media pages.
“Our producers deserve better support and stronger action before this issue worsens further,” the MPs said.
“We encourage everyone across the region to get behind the petition and send a strong message to the Minns Labor Government that immediate action is needed to protect our herds, support our farmers and safeguard the future of our livestock industries.”
