By Emily-Rose Toohey
Due to the increasing threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a letter on behalf of the Council of Mayors was sent to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Murray Watt.
The venture was initially proposed by Southern Downs Regional Councillor (SDRC) Cynthia McDonald to ensure more stringent measures were implemented to stop FMD from entering Australian shores.
FMD is defined as a serious and highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, deer and pigs.
As a result, SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi said that the impact of FMD on the region would be massive.
“If you took a two-hour radius around Toowoomba, there’s something like 60 per cent of Australia’s feedlot herd is in that zone,” Cr Pennisi said.
“Also in that zone, there’s something like 25 to 30 per cent of all of Australia’s beef heard – live cattle is in that zone as well.
“It would have significant repercussions if it happened to break out.”
The letter sent to the Minister was penned by Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio, and said that at the recent meeting of the Darling Downs and South West Council of Mayors, concern was expressed regarding the potential for Foot and Mouth Disease.
“(It would have an) impact on not only our region but also the national cattle herd and in particular our livestock dependent economy,” Cr Antonio said.
“The recent notification that viral fragments have been found in imported food products has of course sent a chill through the whole production chain – I applaud you for the action you have taken in regard to disinfectant mats at the airports.
“In my view, any moves toward support for the rural sector that could help to reduce the feral pig population would certainly be very beneficial to the nation.”
Cr McDonald endorsed the letter and said it was important to highlight how possibly catastrophic the disease could be if it hits Australian shores and commended the Queensland Premier for her $20 million pledge trying to combat FMD.
“It’s great to see there’s a lot of practical moves from state, federal and local levels of government in regards to our biosecurity and protecting one of Australia’s biggest industries,” she said.
Cr Stephen Tancred concurred with the councillor, who moved the correspondence motion which was seconded by Cr Andrew Gale.
