June 21, 2018
Speaking in response to the continuing damage caused by feral animals in key Queensland agricultural areas, Senator Anning highlighted how important it is for every level of government to resolve the issue.
“Feral animals and pigs in particular have been a consistent issue for our farmers, destroying crops, spreading disease and damaging infrastructure.” Senator Anning said.
“Neither the current Federal Liberal or state Labor governments have looked at this issue. Both rely on old reports, old action plans and seemingly lack the willpower to fix this issue.”
“We have seen the current approach is not working, this is why KAP moved a motion calling on the government to commission a new comprehensive report on the cost of feral animals” Senator Anning said.
“Feral pigs have been a consistent problem in this country for at least one hundred years; the ongoing apathy will only continue to hurt producers like those in Tully and the surrounding regions.”
Shane Knuth KAP Member for Hill weighed in on the issue:
“It is vital that we get an accurate understanding of what the true cost is of feral animals to agriculture. Without clear data, policy makers find it too easy to ignore the scope of the problem.”
“Feral animals are one of the main spreaders of disease and destruction of crops costing the agricultural industry millions of dollars in damage and lost income.”
Queensland State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto also expressed support, saying feral pigs represented a grave threat to the future of agriculture in North Queensland.
“Feral pigs continue to damage agriculture throughout my electorate of Hinchinbrook and it is good to see Senator Anning take action at a Federal level,”
“This issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving both the State and Federal governments in eradicating pigs on the ground.”
Senator Anning concluded:
The risk to our agriculture and the livelihood of so many in the North is too great to sit idly by. KAP will continue to work to resolve issue of vital importance to the local community.”
Senator Fraser Anning
KAP Senator for Queensland