AgForce has welcomed the State government's announcement that a second round of the Queensland Sheep and Goat eID assistance package for producers had launched.
The assistance package continues the use of funding agreed to by the previous government to support producers as they transition to mandatory eID for sheep and goats.
Under the program, sheep and goat producers are offered:
- a $0.75 discount, applied at the point of purchase, on approved NLIS accredited eID devices by Allflex Australia, Datamars, Leader Products and Shearwell
- a 50% rebate up to $1,600 per property identification code (PIC) on NLIS readers and associated equipment for producers who have not previously applied for an equipment rebate.
To access the assistance package, producers are not required to submit an application, however, must complete an approved NLIS device order form. Order forms are available via the online biosecurity entity registration portal at Biosecurity Entity Registration Portal or from a Department of Primary Industries office with a biosecurity inspector's signature.
NLRS reader and equipment rebates of between $1600 and $85,000 will also be available to processors, saleyards, livestock agents and agricultural show-sub chambers.
The program will operate until June 2027, or until funding is exhausted.
AgForce Sheep, Wool and Goats President Boyd Webb said the assistance package had come at the right time and welcomed the announcement.
"The second round of funding is well timed for the autumn lambing season and will help producers manage the cost of tags during a critical period," Mr Webb said.
