KPCA conference: New pastoral initiatives target biosecurity, technology and sustainability

The State Government has introduced a range of new initiatives to aid the agricultural industry in biosecurity, technology and sustainability pursuits.

Concern over the impending threat of lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease were hot topics at this year’s Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association conference, held in Broome last weekend, falling heavily beside the need to remain at the forefront of technology and carbon efficiency.

Some concerns were eased during an address by Regional Development and Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan who announced three slots of funding were set aside to address these issues.

In response to threats of lumpy skin disease and FMD, Ms MacTiernan revealed the WA Government’s plan to build two new truck wash-down facilities in the State — one in the Kimberley, the other in the south.

Up to $2.3 million has been set aside for the builds which are set to start in 2023 after preliminary analysis, costings and consultation on locations.

“New truck wash-down facilities will be a crucial addition to the State’s biosecurity system supporting preparatory measures and industry resilience in the event of a serious livestock disease outbreak,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“The McGowan Government has been working hard to improve readiness for a serious livestock disease, with more than 70 producer information workshops and events, ongoing industry briefings, updating online resources, and streamlining the brands registration process.”

The minister said the Government was also giving support to a mandatory electronic identification system in the sheep and goat industries — such as that which is already in place in the cattle industry.

This is in addition to a further $1m to support pastoral beef producers to adopt new technologies.

The Producer Innovation Fast-Track program will allocate grants of up to $20,000 to cattle producers to access opportunities such in ag-tech, digital systems and decision support tools, feasibility studies and business plans, and consultations.

The program is part of the Northern Beef Development Initiative.

Ms MacTiernan said the program was “working hand-in-hand with Pilbara and Kimberley pastoralists to overcome challenges of the north and capture opportunities for this important industry”.

“I encourage all norther pastoralists to examine how these valuable grants can help take their business to the next level,” she said.

Northern pastoralists will also have an opportunity to further the sustainability of their practices, with a third announcement revealing a new streamlined process to assess potential risks of introducing non-indigenous agricultural plants onto pastoral properties.

Aimed at pastoralists and regulators, as well as the broader community, the new process is set to improve in clarity, transparency and scientific rigor of weed risk detection.

This aims to allow WA farmers to feel confident in diversifying their land while also boosting sustainability.

“Introducing new plant species can offer more pasture options of grazing livestock and increase the productivity of pastoral businesses,” Ms MacTiernan said.

About 100 agricultural species have already be reassessed.

The results are available on the department’s website.