A GROWING number of farmers across Southeast Queensland are calling for the relaxation of “excessive biosecurity restrictions” which they say are crippling their livelihoods.
A public meeting has been called to address the impact of fire ant compliance measures enforced by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI).
The meeting will be held at 1pm this Saturday, April 12, at 111 Stockyard Creek Rd, Flagstone Creek.
All affected producers and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
Meeting organiser Trevor Hold said the blanket restrictions were punishing professional producers “with no evidence linking hay to the spread of fire ants”.
“Farmers have been burdened with ongoing red tape and arbitrary rules without clear scientific justification,” Adare smallholder Mr Hold said.
“It’s time for evidence-based policies that respect those doing the right thing.
“Current movement restrictions on hay are being imposed without specific data proving hay as a vector for fire ant spread.
“Farmers are calling for clear, peer-reviewed evidence before such restrictions are enforced, rather than relying on precautionary assumptions that damage the industry.
“The one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognise professional hay producers who implement strict pest control practices.
“A certification or exemption process could allow these producers to operate without the same restrictions placed on hobby farmers or occasional suppliers.”
Mr Hold said producers were incurring significant financial losses due to permits, treatments, and loss of market access even when no fire ants were present on their properties.
“Farmers are calling for fair compensation and financial relief, in line with how other emergencies (like floods or drought) are handled,” Mr Hold said.
“Producers want full transparency from biosecurity authorities, including detailed justification for each restriction.
“They also support the creation of an independent oversight body to audit biosecurity decisions and ensure resources are used effectively and fairly.
“Farmers are demanding more proportionate, accountable, and transparent action that supports, not stifles, agriculture.
“They are calling for collaboration with authorities to build a fairer system that rewards responsible producers and protects trade viability without compromising pest control.
“Enough is enough. It’s time to restore balance and protect our right to farm and trade fairly.”
