(Source: DAFF)
September 10, 2015
A meeting of 45 South Burnett primary producers has put together four key points to put to the State Government about the future of the tick line.
Recent media reports have suggested the tick line could be shifted southwards or the control area between ticky and tick-free areas abolished.
Member for Nanango and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Deb Frecklington said Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne had been ignoring graziers along the tick line for nearly eight months.
Mrs Frecklington said she has been receiving calls and many questions from local primary producers about the future of the tick line and how and whether it will be maintained.
“There is a sense of urgency amongst graziers living along the line as they know the Biosecurity Bill will come into force on July 1,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This means there must be a plan in place before this time for the management of the tick line, but the Labor Government has not acted on this issue since it was elected – a full eight months.
“This issue is especially critical for the South Burnett and much of my Electorate of Nanango as the tick line runs right through the middle of the region.
“I decided to hold my own meeting to help give local producers a say, and to give them the opportunity to demonstrate to the Minister they deserve to know what is going on.”
The meeting, held at Kingaroy RSL Club, attracted approximately 45 producers from Cooyar to Durong who attended to voice their opinion on the future of the tick line.
The four key points which came out of the meeting were:
- Keeping the status quo is NOT an option;
- The tick line needs improved boundaries, such as major highways. Single fence lines are not effective;
- There is a need for better enforcement.; and
- Tick resistance is a key issue – more R&D is needed to look at alternative ways to combat ticks.
“The producers who came along showed what an emotive and important issue the tick line really is,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They live with the reality of helping to maintain the line and for them, it is a major cost to their businesses.
“They want to know that their hard work is appreciated, and the tick line won’t just be abandoned because it might fall into the ‘too hard basket’.
“I fully support the tick line and I will now take this feedback to the Minister to ensure the voices of our local producers are being heard.”
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(Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)
