Livestock SA has welcomed the state government’s decision to allow hay to be accessed from parts of Western Australia.
The agreement follows ongoing discussions between Livestock SA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions about biosecurity restrictions that have prevented hay from WA being brought into South Australia due to the presence of green snail.
Consignments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and subject to certain conditions.
Livestock SA chief executive officer Travis Tobin thanked the state government for working quickly with the organisation to address this issue and said the decision was a positive step for producers struggling to source available and affordable feed.
“We know the competition and cost of sourcing fodder is increasing by the week, so it is important that we provide producers with as many options as possible to help them keep animals fed, particularly key breeding stock,” he said.
“We also understand the importance of maintaining strong biosecurity, which is why experts have been involved to ensure it wasn’t compromised by opening up the low-risk areas of WA.”
Mr Tobin added Livestock SA was continuing its efforts to convince the government that a freight support program is urgently needed.
“The argument that freight subsidies distort the market no longer stands as government funded activities for flood relief in Queensland and New South Wales have already had that effect,” he said.
“Drought impacted livestock producers in our state must be able to compete for interstate fodder on level terms.
“A freight support program needs to include subsidies for transporting stock to and from agistment; transport stock to sale or slaughter; transport fodder or water to stock on drought affected properties; plus emergency permits made available to enable road trains on key freight routes to reduce costs; and vehicle registration concessions for primary producers using their own trucks and trailers.”
