Is Tick Line Final Or Not?

March 1, 2016

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson’s statement on Tuesday that there would be “no appeal process” over the final location of the tick line appears to fly in the face of an assurance she gave earlier this year that producers would be able to negotiate future changes to its position.

In the statement, the Minister said she would make a “final decision”, the industry would be briefed and there would be “no appeal process and no compensation”.

In January, Ms Donaldson told southburnett.com.au the July 1 deadline to implement the changes was set in concrete but changes to the tick line’s location could be made in the future.

She that after the new line was implemented it would not be “immovable in the future”.

“If people along the tick line have evidence over a period that they have maintained an area tick-free, and have the evidence to support it, that line can, with consideration, move,” she said.

She said the process to do this had been part of the consultations which had been taking place.

“I think there has been a lot of confusion about this,” she said.

However, Shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington said Tuesday’s statement “underlined the arrogance of the Palaszczuk Labor Government and its wilful disregard for cattle producers, their knowledge of their properties, regions and industry”.

“Minister Donaldson initially tried to shut debate on the tick line down and had to be pressured into extending the so-called consultation period for a month beyond January,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Now she’s at it again, saying her decision will be final and no appeals will be allowed.”

Ms Frecklington said the State Government had grossly underestimated the level of concern and commitment of landholders to maintain the tick line.

“Today I’ve received another petition from producers, this time from Taroom with 465 signatures. It’s the eighth petition I’ve been asked to table in Parliament, underlining the level of concern surrounding this issue,” she said.

“Hundreds of producers along the tick line have worked hard for years to keep their properties and herds clean.

“We need to ensure this effort is not lost through the arrogant actions of a Minister who says her decision will be final.”

Ms Frecklington warned any major changes to the tick line would affect management operations and potentially impact property values.

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