Working Group To Review Tick Line

Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner

March 6, 2019

An industry group has been set up by the State Government to undertake a long-promised review of the cattle tick line.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, and comes after repeated calls from Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett for a review to be undertaken.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said leading members of Queensland’s livestock industries would take part in the Queensland Cattle Tick Line Review Working Group.

“Biosecurity Queensland’s General Manager of Animal and Biosecurity Welfare, Dr Allison Crook, will chair the working group which will provide advice and support the review of the Queensland cattle tick line,” Mr Furner said.

“Dr Crook will be supported by representatives from Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation, Australian Livestock and Property Agents, Animal Health Australia, two independent cattle industry members and members from AgForce – one from the infested zone and one from the free zone.

“Effective cattle tick management is important for Queensland’s beef industry as cattle tick can pose an economic threat if left unmanaged.

“Being able to draw on the knowledge and experience of the working group members will be crucial for the cattle tick line review process, including guidance on its implementation.”

Mr Furner said the working group was formed following a series of consultation workshops conducted by Biosecurity Queensland and AgForce in 2018.

“It was apparent from those meetings that industry members had very clear views and opinions on the location of the cattle tick line, and the cattle tick management framework,” Mr Furner said.

“Forming the group is another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s collaborative approach to managing biosecurity issues with industry.

“A key aspect of the working group will be the consideration of an ongoing review process, driven by producers, for the future management of the cattle tick line.”

Mr Furner said the current cattle tick line arrangements were established following the introduction of the Biosecurity Act 2014 on 1 July 2016.

“The current framework comprises a risk-based cattle tick management system, that provides flexibility for producers moving livestock across the tick line presenting opportunities for reduced costs for industry,” Mr Furner said.

“It also has much stronger requirements for eradication of cattle tick infestations in the free zone.

“As we approach three (tick) seasons under the new framework, it is timely to consider the effectiveness of eradication campaigns and assess the positioning and sustainability of the tick line.”