Changes to the Northern Territory Gazette could potentially lock producers out of the NT market if they don’t have a biosecurity plan in place to retain a J-BAS score of 7 before June 30 2017.

A Biosecurity Planning Workshop in Cloncurry saw 60 producers attend to hear the latest information on entry requirements from AgForce, Biosecurity Queensland and Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN).

Delegates heard the latest on Johne’s Disease, how biosecurity planning benefits producers and how to establish a biosecurity plan.

LBN biosecurity and extension manager, Rachael O’Brien, said to retain a J-BAS 7 producers need to log visitors, vehicles and equipment and the management of pests and weeds in a biosecurity plan.

“Most producers would already be managing most of these things, but they need to collate it into the plan,” Ms O’Brien said.

“The Northern Territory’s decision to change access requirements means producers will need a biosecurity plan that includes a Northern Territory Health Certificate and Waybill signed by a Queensland biosecurity officer, a Cattle Health Declaration and a National Vendors Declaration.

“The biosecurity plan must include the components in the checklist list for Johne’s disease including a vet to oversee the plan and ensure it is adequate to the property.”

South of Mount Isa on Oban Station, Jake Nowlan manages a fattening block of steers and dry heifers ranging between 10,000 to 12,000 head. Depending on what the market dictates he sends cattle to the Darwin live export.

“We’ve sent three mobs already this year,” Mr Nowlan said.

“We are going to have to meet these requirements if we want to maintain that access to the Northern Territory market.

“Hopefully the Territory will have a bit of a think about what they are doing and  maybe make an exemption for live export, because the cattle are only travelling through and going to quarantine yard in the Territory anyway.”

Mr Nowlan said the seminar was a good tool, with producers coming together to collaborate different ideas.

“It certainly got people thinking and talking about it,” he said.

“It’s going to impact market options for producers, but I think if the plans are implemented and everyone can be consistent, it will be pretty standard. It’s not that much different to what we are doing as far as paperwork goes.”

At Maronan Station between Cloncurry and McKinlay, Colin and Nevenka Muller run 2500 to 3000 head of Brahman, Droughtmaster, Brangus, Santa Gertrudis and Charbray on their breeding block and sometimes send cattle straight to buyers in the Northern Territory.

“Depending on the market, we sell through agents to buyers in the NT who are usually looking for strong Brahman content, lighter steers and heifers,” Mr Muller said.

“We also sell export when we have the numbers and depending on what the market is doing.”

Ms Muller said the new regulations meant more paper work but she felt it was a good thing.

“Everyone should have been made aware of their biosecurity plans. These changes mean less accountability on the government then it should be and it falls back onto each individual station owner.

“Although where does that leave the general populace if we are very virulent on how we do things but neighbours aren’t which can cause more expenditure and work load for us.”

Biosecurity Planning Workshops will continue to be held in different locations around Queensland, with the next workshop being held in Hughenden on May 11.

A review of the Gazette’s livestock entry requirements is yet to be conducted by the Northern Territory Government.