The Northern Rivers is facing a growing biosecurity crisis, with multiple threats including cane toads, fire ants, bee mites, cattle tick and the ongoing presence of White Spot virus in local waterways. NSW Nationals State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has called on the State Government to take urgent and transparent action before the situation worsens.
In a speech to the NSW Parliament, Mr Williamson said several major biosecurity threats demanded immediate and coordinated attention.
“The march of the cane toad continues southward, and yet the Government remains silent on its plans, if any exist,” Mr Williamson said.
He expressed frustration that Local Land Services had refused to provide him with an update on control measures, citing the Minister’s failure to approve the release of information.
“Community groups, landowners and volunteers are doing everything they can to slow the spread, but they can’t do it alone. They need Government support, not secrecy,” he said.
Mr Williamson also raised concerns about the White Spot virus, which continues to impact the prawning industry in the Clarence, Richmond and Evans rivers. He said the current biosecurity order is due to expire in December, but the Government has not confirmed what will happen next.
“The current biosecurity order expires in December, yet no one seems to know what happens next. If the Government has a plan, they’re not telling anyone,” Mr Williamson said.
He warned that other biosecurity risks, including fire ants, bee mites and cattle tick, could compound existing pressures on local industries if not properly managed.
“Farmers need assurance that the Government is ready and willing to act when the time comes,” he said.
Cane toads continue to spread southward through the Northern Rivers, with sightings becoming more frequent each year. The species poses a major risk to native wildlife, including reptiles, frogs and mammals, and has proven extremely difficult to control once established.
Meanwhile, fire ants remain a growing concern as infestations in south-east Queensland move closer to the New South Wales border. Biosecurity experts warn that if the pest crosses into northern NSW, it could cause major damage to agriculture, wildlife and local communities.
Beekeepers are also on alert for the spread of the Varroa mite, a parasite that weakens bee colonies and threatens pollination-dependent crops. Local apiarists and farmers have been urging state authorities to maintain strong monitoring and early intervention measures.
Mr Williamson said that government transparency, communication and long-term planning are essential if regional industries are to avoid further disruption. He has called on the State Government to provide regular updates to the community and to work more closely with local landholders and volunteer groups who are already carrying much of the biosecurity workload.
The Nationals MP said that the biosecurity challenges across the Northern Rivers highlight the need for consistent investment and clear leadership from the State Government to prevent these threats from spreading further.
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