EQUINE INFLUENZA
Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [6.23 p.m.]: Since equine influenza was detected and quarantine restrictions were introduced around Tamworth on 25 August we have experienced what can only be considered a national disaster. This disaster has resulted from the failure of our national bio-security arrangements to prevent the introduction of exotic diseases into Australia. It is a shame that this situation was not declared a national disaster because that would have allowed for additional support for the thousands whose livelihood has been severely impacted. Many people have faced disruption to their lives and are experiencing financial hardship following the lockdown of horses and properties, or the loss of customers from businesses.
Much media attention has focused on the impact upon the billion dollar thoroughbred racing industry, and it certainly deserves all possible assistance to get through the crisis. Unfortunately, a lot less attention has focused on the impacts affecting the recreational equine industry. Tamworth is home to the National Cutting Horse Association and the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association that together have a membership of some 4,300 horse owners. The Australian Quarter Horse Association with some 6,000 members and 139,000 horses is also headquartered in Tamworth. Most members have been, or still are, affected by travel restrictions, cancellation of events and in some cases lockdowns.
The Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association today announced that it has been forced to cancel the national finals in campdraft and rodeo, which are its flagship events. It is the first time in the event's history that it has been cancelled, very much disappointing competitors from right across the country and impacting significantly on the wider Tamworth economy. On the outskirts of Tamworth the $28 million Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre is well under construction and its completion in a couple of months will see a world-class centre giving Tamworth a legitimate claim to the title of Australia's equine capital.
Before the equine influenza outbreak occurred Tamworth Regional Council had applied to the Federal Government for an AgFund grant to fund a major bio-security strategy. The council was hoping to have it in place before the opening of the centre. I hope the current equine influenza crisis will fast-track those funds and I commend the foresight of council and local organisations for developing these plans. Supporting the rapidly growing equine industry in and around Tamworth are many individuals, all heavily impacted by this crisis: strappers, farriers, transport operators, horse chiropractors, equine dentists, veterinarians, equine retail outlets, television race production crews, produce suppliers and more. All have seen cuts to employment and all are experiencing financial hardship. This goes right through our community: it affects motels, fuel outlets, food outlets, horse breeding programs—the list goes on and on.
Moonbi, on Tamworth's outskirts, has been the centre of a quarantine lockdown that has affected both locals and visitors. Equine influenza was detected at Moonbi and then it spread through the broader community. Many people could not return to their homes or jobs, causing severe financial hardship. Permits to leave were finally issued on 3 October; however, some people had been unable to resume their normal lives for some 40 days. Once the virus had escaped the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries took responsibility for controlling the situation under the AusVet contingency plan. I commend the Department of Primary Industries for moving quickly in attempting to control a very difficult situation that rapidly expanded and still has a considerable course to run.
Equine influenza has had negative impacts on people's lives and incomes for nearly two months. Horses have died. Some people believe that public information meetings should have been organised earlier; others felt that the meetings could further spread the disease. Even a simple matter like taking a horse float or truck to obtain a pink slip for registration became a nightmare. Demands on Department of Primary Industries personnel were unparalleled, and particularly the department's veterinarians. In many ways the whole crisis was a critical learning process.
I trust that lessons have been learned and that the equine influenza outbreak has been contained. I hope that through the creation of buffer zones and the use of vaccines within those zones this disease will be eradicated as quickly as possible, allowing all participants in the equine industry to resume normal activities. Many people have expressed concerns that the thoroughbred industry seems to be receiving disproportionate attention simply due to its financial contribution to State coffers. The Government must be aware that many so-called pleasure horses are worth much more than the average racehorse. In addition to the large number of people and horses represented by the Australian Quarter Horse Association, the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association and the National Cutting Horse Association, the Australian Stockhorse Association has a further 9,500 members and 170,000 registered horses. There are also over 70 individual horse breed associations. These numbers cannot be ignored and the interests of these horse owners must be considered too.
The impacts of the equine influenza outbreak are clearly more significant than first anticipated. Even if it takes many months, the Government must continue attempting to eradicate equine influenza. Not to do so would leave unimaginable economic consequences. Tamworth and surrounds have been recently declared a purple zone, allowing movement of horses within restricted areas, but lessons have to be learned from the experience. Tighter bio-security arrangements and practical containment plans are essential to prevent further threats to our environment and agricultural industries or, even more important, possible threats to people given the chance of bird flu entering this country at some future stage.
Private members' statements noted.
