The Minns Labor Government recently released information on a $945.7 million injection of funding to protect against biosecurity threats. 

According to government officials this includes an additional $13.1 million in the 2024-2025 budget as a follow up to the successful Feral Pig Program, which has culled around 100,000 pigs since the program began eight months ago.   

NSW Farmers says an additional $13.1 million in the State Budget will help tackle surging feral pig numbers, however the NSW opposition says the Minns Labor Government needs to come clean on its biosecurity announcement that showed no new money across several key areas. 

According to the NSW opposition, the majority of the funding provided to respond to major agricultural threats in the 2024/25 budget is leftovers from the 2023/24 allocation.

They cite last year's budget allocation for Red Imported Fire Ants of $80 million which saw only $25 million spent, with the NSW Agriculture Minister recently re-announcing the remaining $55.3 million.  

They say only $6.2million has been spent out of an allocated $10.2 million in white spot assistance, and for those affected by varroa mite there is $36.2million left over from an initial $77.2million.

According to the Opposition, not even half of the $10million Good Neighbour Program was used to tackle weeds and pest infestations, and NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders the Minns Labor Government need to do much more to keep our primary producers safe. 

“What we are seeing from the Minns Labor Government is figures that simply don’t add up,” Mr Saunders said. 

“Tara Moriarty is making a lot of claims in her recent media release, when the only actual “new” money we can see is $13m to continue the Feral Pig Program. 

“It is extremely disingenuous to try and pass these re-announcements off as more support and it doesn’t spell good news for our hard-working fishers and farmers. 

“With a major red fire ant incursion spreading deeper into the state, our honey industry having to manage varroa mite and foot and mouth disease knocking at our door, this announcement provides no certainty to any part of the Ag sector.”  

“It just shows that this Government is completely clueless when it comes to the impacts that are being felt by our primary industries right now and there simply won’t be enough new funding in next week’s budget to keep our food and fibre safe,” said Mr. Saunders. 

Minister for Ag Tara Moriarty with Riverina MP Helen Dalton. IMAGE: Helen Dalton MP

Meanwhile Minister for Agriculture NSW, Tara Moriarty says the Government is prioritising the state's farmers and communities. 

“Agriculture and our farming communities are the lifeblood of our state and this $945 million investment in biosecurity over the coming four years will ensure our primary producers continue to have the support they need to thrive," she said.

“Strong biosecurity protections are not just about keeping pest and weeds out – it is about protecting the state’s $22 billion agriculture industries and ensuring families across the state have access to the world’s best produce at the world’s best prices. 

“We have been busy implementing our comprehensive biosecurity plan, from feral pig management to tackling weeds and pests on public lands and fighting the threat of red fire ants.  

“Biosecurity is an ongoing challenge, but we are a government who are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of our farmers, regional communities and environments.  

“The success of the feral pig program speaks for itself, but there’s still more to do, which this essential funding will enable.” 

NSW Farmers Association President Xavier Martin. IMAGE: 2HD

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin is pleased to hear of the funding announcement following reports of a sharp increase in feral pig numbers, which continue to cause major damage and pose a huge biosecurity risk. 

“These nasty animals are the size of massive footballers, and they charge through paddocks and national parks trashing production and damaging the environment,” NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said. 

“Not only are they causing major damage, they’re super spreaders of disease and reproduce at an alarming rate so we need to step up the cull and break the breeding cycle and this government funding is part of that. 

“Government support for baiting, trapping and aerial shooting of feral pigs has been welcomed and has made a dent in the pig population, but we’ve still got millions of them continuing to run amok on agricultural land.” 

Mr Martin thanked NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty for securing the $945 million investment in biosecurity over the coming four years and said it would encourage farmers to continue their efforts. 

“Agriculture is a major economic driver in rural and regional communities, and strong biosecurity is a key part of supporting this important sector,” Mr Martin said. 

“But we know farmers aren’t just a faceless industry, they’re the people who pull on their boots every day to produce food and fibre to feed and clothe the nation. 

“Ongoing efforts to support farmers are ultimately good for everyone.” 

The 2024-25 Budget allocation includes: 

• $217.2 million for prevention preparation of future biosecurity threats including Weeds Action Plans, the first Biosecurity Commissioner and the Bio Lab Defence to provide key advancements in laboratory defences for diagnostics, pathology, virology, and entomology activities.  

• $250.9 million in major biosecurity programs covering active surveillance, rapid diagnostics, traceability investigations and responses for Varroa Mite, White Spot and Red Imported Fire Ant threats. 

• $62.4 million to contain pests, weeds, and disease outbreaks to minimise adverse impacts on primary industries and the environment. Includes the Sheep and Goat eID program to enable tracking and identification during any outbreaks. 

• $415.1 million to address existing plant, animal and invasive biosecurity threats including $13.1m for Feral Pigs in 2024-25. the Good Neighbour program, the independent Agriculture Commissioner, plus Emergency Management Capability in response to natural disasters. 

According to Ms Moriarty, this Budget is assisting the people of NSW by strengthening the frontlines against threats and incursions as well as funding advice and action on their land and waterways.