Farmers across Queensland are rallying against what they say are excessive and unfair biosecurity restrictions that are crippling their ability to trade and sustain their livelihoods. A public meeting has been called to address growing frustration over the impact of current 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 1:00 PM on Saturday, 12 April 2025, at 111 Stockyard Creek Rd, Flagstone Creek, QLD. All affected producers and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
These blanket restrictions are punishing professional producers with no evidence linking hay to the spread of fire ants. Farmers have been burdened by ongoing red tape and arbitrary rules without clear scientific justification. It’s time for evidence-based policies that respect those doing the right thing.
Key issues to be discussed include:
- Lack of Scientific Evidence:
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. - Need for Tailored Rules:
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. - Compensation for Losses:
Producers are incurring significant financial losses due to permits, treatments, and loss of market access—even when no fire ants are 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. - Transparency and Accountability:
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. - Impact on Interstate Trade:
Restrictions from NSW DPI are potentially breaching Section 92 of the Australian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of interstate trade. Queensland farmers argue these restrictions create unfair barriers that disproportionately harm their operations while benefiting producers in other states.
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.
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