Newman Govt Provides Extra $3M to help Cattle Producers
AUSTRALIA - The Newman Government will provide up to $3 million in additional support for beef producers hit by Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD).Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said while $2 million had been provided to kick-start BJD assistance, the government was now providing access of up to $5 million.
Mr McVeigh said the Newman Government had listened to calls for additional support from individual producers and industry groups.
“The extra $3 million was to be tipped into the Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund, dollar-for-dollar, once the beef industry biosecurity levy was up and running from mid next year,” Mr McVeigh said.
“However, there were long delays in establishing the levy collection mechanism caused by the Federal Labor Government.
“Given the dire circumstances faced by many producers hit by BJD, the Newman Government is making the $3 million available immediately to bolster the assistance program.
“This extra funding means there’s now scope for more assistance for producers.
“I’ve directed the Interim Industry Advisory Committee to review the program's coverage and the current cap of $50,000.”
Mr McVeigh said any funds from the $5 million now available for BJD assistance that remained unspent at 30 June 2014, would be redirected to the Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund as a loan from the government.
“Once up and running, the industry levy will underwrite the Biosecurity Fund,” said Mr McVeigh
“This will create a legacy to support our beef industry through any future disease incidents.”
For more information on BJD visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
TheCattleSite News Desk