Ticks are a major problem plaguing our cattle industry, with the cost across northern Australia estimated at around $160 million a year.
Two years ago, the Queensland Government introduced a new management framework, which the then Agriculture Minister claimed would simplify and strengthen the tick line.
AgForce supported more flexibility, but warned at the time the changes needed to be backed up with a strong surveillance program and adequate resources to support producers through the transition.
Unfortunately, this hasn’t happened.
There have been recent cattle deaths and outbreaks in previously clean areas, with producers left exposed through lax surveillance and compliance activities.
It is not the fault of the accredited certifiers, nor it is an issue of flexibility in dipping and treating cattle on property.
The issue is the lack of government resources on the ground making sure the system is working, supporting the accredited certifiers, ensuring producers understand the risks and providing consistent advice.
Producers are left wondering who to call in an emergency with reports of slow response times, and minimal or no support from government officers who are stretched thin on the ground.
The promise of flexibility has not been backed up with the surveillance, data and resources to enable the safe movement of cattle tick carriers over the line. As a result, Queensland producers are at greater risk of cattle ticks.
A dedicated case manager is needed to ensure any outbreak is cleaned up and that all concerned, have the support they need.
It’s also time the State Government got out and listened to producers along the line to hear for themselves the confusion, anguish and disappointment.
They must demonstrate how the new regulations have delivered the positive benefits they spruiked two years ago, and explain what surveillance they have done to show where the issues are and what they are doing to address them.
Because on the ground it looks like very little is being done.
