Relief on its way for BJD affected producers

Relief for cattle producers impacted by the recent Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) cases is on its way with cattle farmers able to apply for financial support from 31 May 2013.

The industry is also being asked for feedback on a voluntary levy to support the Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund into the future.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Dr John McVeigh said under the Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund, $2 million in seed funding was being made available to support producers whose properties had been affected by BJD.

“As promised, the Newman Government has delivered on its commitment to support BJD affected producers with financial assistance to get them back on track,” Mr McVeigh said.

“The BJD assistance program consists of two components under which producers may be able to apply for funding - a Direct Market Assistance Program and a Supply Chain Pathway Assistance Program.

“A full range of details, including application forms and eligibility criteria will be available from 31 May on the QRAA website at www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

“The payments will be capped and the amount that producers are eligible for will depend on their individual circumstance.

“The payments are designed to provide a sustainable level of financial assistance, but it is not full compensation for losses.”

Mr McVeigh said that in addition to the $2 million in seed feeding, the Newman Government would also provide a $3 million loan to further support the Fund.

“This loan is dependent on an industry levy being in place to ensure the long-term viability of the Fund. As such, we have today released a consultation paper to seek feedback about how the voluntary industry levy should operate,” Mr McVeigh said.

“I want to hear from those involved in the state’s cattle industry about how they want to approach the management and administration of this voluntary levy.

“Members of the cattle industry are encouraged to have their say by providing feedback on the consultation by 7 June 2013 on the Get Involved website, www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au.

“The levy rate is proposed to be between $0.50 - $0.70 cents per head and will be collected on all cattle transactions in Queensland, starting mid-2014.

“This is a great opportunity for industry to get behind a funding scheme that will provide long-term benefits and support during biosecurity incidents that affect the entire cattle supply chain.

“Producers who don’t want to participate will be able to receive a refund, but will not be able to claim benefits from the Fund in the event that they are impacted by a disease in the future.”

Mr McVeigh said producer input would be valuable in helping the Interim Industry Advisory Committee and the Government make final decisions about the Fund and its administration.

For more information on BJD visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. 

Details of assistance payments

Payments will be capped at $50,000 in the first year. Further assistance up to $200,000 is proposed to be funded by the industry levy.

Direct Market Assistance Program

Producers may be able to claim up to 50 per cent of the value of trace forward cattle that have been slaughtered for testing as part of their property disease investigation plan.

Properties that are confirmed as infected will be able to claim up to 50 per cent of the value of cattle that they slaughter when destocking under a property disease eradication plan.

The Supply Chain Pathway Assistance Program

Provides ongoing assistance for those producers who are faced with long-term movement restrictions.

May allow producers to claim 50 per cent of the additional costs of finding markets for their cattle while they are under movement restrictions.

[ENDS] 17 May 2013

Media Contact: Lachlan Millar – 0407 394 580