Cattle tick line public consultation extended

THE public consultation period for comment on the location of the cattle tick line has been extended by Agricultural Minister Leanne Donaldson.

THE public consultation period for comment on the location of the cattle tick line has been extended by Agricultural Minister Leanne Donaldson.

"It is very important that we give producers ample time to have their say and that is why I have listened to the industry and allocated more time for feedback," Ms Donaldson said.

"In particular we want to hear the views of property owners who live along the existing tick line and they, and everyone else, now have until February 29 to make themselves heard."

Ms Donaldson said for the first time in 30 years there was an opportunity to amend the location of the tick line.

"It is very important that we have a sustainable system in place to minimise the impact of cattle ticks," she said.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has welcomed the extension of the public consultation time.

"I'd encourage every grazier and landholder who stands to be affected to let the government know exactly how they feel, Ms Frecklington said.

"The whole consultation process on the new tick line regulations and maps has been a complete shambles and disappointingly, the Department is not organising any public meetings.

"There have been some landholders groups who have organised their own meetings and the Department has agreed to attend so this may be an option for the region

Ms Frecklington said the department had opened up the option for hard copy submissions for those with no or limited computer access, however they would be required to call and request a copy.

"Each section of the line has its own specific issues and I believe there is room for the Department to negotiate solutions with producers in certain sections of the line, rather than trying to impose a one size fits all approach," Ms Frecklington said.