North Coast farmers are on the frontline of a costly cattle tick battle, with infestations continuing to spread south from Queensland.

A $7 million funding boost to rebuild New South Wales’ cattle tick program was announced yesterday at the Wollongbar Department of Primary Industries Research station. 

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the money would be used to overhaul the state’s cattle tick response and implement all 14 recommendations from an independent review.

Cattle tick is considered one of Australia’s most damaging livestock pests, costing the red meat industry more than $160 million a year, according to Meat & Livestock Australia.

The parasites weaken cattle by feeding on blood, reducing productivity and increasing costs for farmers across the beef and dairy sectors.

The NSW Government said the overhaul would strengthen protection for producers in northern parts of the state, where infestations are most common due to the proximity to the Queensland border.

Ms Saffin said she had pushed strongly for an independent review to ensure the long-running biosecurity program remained effective.

“I advocated strongly for an independent review of what has been a tried and tested biosecurity program to ensure it remains effective on the ground,” she said.

“A well-funded action plan, developed in consultation with stakeholders, is a key objective for us here in the north of New South Wales, given our proximity to the Queensland border.”

The review was carried out by Independent Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Katherine Clift, who was appointed last year to assess the state’s approach to cattle tick management.

MP Janelle Saffin with Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty at Wollongbar (photo:NBN News)

Her report followed industry workshops and nearly 180 public submissions, and made 14 recommendations aimed at improving biosecurity outcomes.

The government said work would begin immediately, with the annual budget for the program to be lifted by 60 per cent.

The new Cattle Tick Eradication Action Plan is due to be delivered by September 30 this year.

The Minister says the rebuilt program will place eradication at the centre of all decisions, while also providing more support to farmers to prevent and manage infestations.

Changes include shifting the cattle tick team to operate under the NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, increasing access to veterinary expertise, and expanding technical and compliance support.

Research will also be stepped up, focusing on chemical resistance, alternative treatments, diagnostics and emerging monitoring technologies.

Authorities warn resistance to existing treatments is becoming a major challenge, with cattle ticks increasingly developing immunity to commonly used chemicals.

Experts say there is no quick fix, and in severe cases producers may be forced to destock properties if infestations cannot be brought under control.

Farmers have also called for stronger cross-border cooperation, warning NSW producers should not be left carrying the burden of infestations entering from Queensland.

Minister Moriarty thanked Dr Clift for her report and said the government would act on all of its recommendations.

“Our Government will now move to rebuild this important livestock biosecurity program, and we will implement all 14 of her recommendations backed by significantly increased funding of $7 million,” she said.

She said the work was critical for protecting beef and dairy farmers from the ongoing threat of cattle tick spread.

The government says the new plan will be developed in collaboration with industry and aligned with updated state biosecurity frameworks.