Northern Rivers Nationals MPs have launched a new community petition demanding stronger action on cattle tick, warning producers are being overwhelmed by rising costs, stricter compliance measures and the growing spread of infestations south of the Queensland border.
The “Flick the Tick” petition was officially launched at Primex by NSW Nationals Leader and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest.
The MPs said cattle tick remained one of the most damaging livestock pests in Australia and argued current funding and biosecurity measures were failing to keep pace with the growing threat facing beef and dairy producers across northern NSW.
“Our local producers are deeply concerned about the spread of cattle tick and the impact it is having on farm productivity, livestock health and the financial viability of farming operations across the North Coast,” the MPs said in a joint statement.
“The current system is not working and farmers are being left to shoulder enormous costs and operational burdens when infestations occur.”
“Producers are being required to undertake extensive treatment programs, movement restrictions and compliance measures, often at significant financial loss, while also trying to protect unaffected stock and neighbouring properties.”
The campaign comes just weeks after the Minns Government announced a $7 million funding boost for the NSW Cattle Tick Program and committed to developing the state’s first Cattle Tick Eradication Action Plan by September 2026.
However, the Nationals MPs argued the additional funding would not be enough to address the scale of the problem.
“The Government’s announcement is a start, but it simply will not go far enough to deal with the scale of the problem facing our region,” the MPs said.
“This is a major biosecurity issue threatening industries worth hundreds of millions of dollars to regional economies and communities. We need significantly greater investment, stronger border biosecurity, more boots on the ground and direct support for producers.”
The petition calls on the NSW Government to urgently increase funding for the cattle tick program, strengthen border protections, provide more direct support to producers and work with industry on a long-term eradication strategy.
The launch highlights growing pressure from northern NSW producers, many of whom have raised concerns about the cost and complexity of dealing with infestations and movement restrictions.
Last month, NSW Farmers welcomed the Government’s increased funding and renewed focus on eradication, while warning more detail and long-term support would still be needed.
NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee chair Tony Hegarty said the $7 million commitment was an important first step after years of concern about the state of the program.
“We also thank Minister Tara Moriarty for a timely response to the report, and for backing the findings with an initial $7 million funding commitment,” Mr Hegarty said.
“While this is an important down payment on rebuilding capability, we will be seeking further detail on how the $7 million will be allocated, including what it means in practice for surveillance, treatment support, compliance capacity and producer engagement.”
Mr Hegarty said NSW Farmers strongly supported the Government’s renewed commitment to eradication rather than long-term management.
“We welcome the clear shift back to eradication rather than long-term management. Producers have been calling for a program that is properly set up and resourced to stop cattle tick crossing the border and threatening livelihoods,” he said.
The Nationals MPs said community support for the petition would send a strong message to the Government that more action was needed.
“Our producers deserve better support and stronger action before this issue worsens further,” they said.
“We encourage everyone across the region to get behind the petition and send a strong message to the Minns Labor Government that immediate action is needed to protect our herds, support our farmers and safeguard the future of our livestock industries.”
Residents can sign the petition online at here
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