State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin’s monthly column for June 2026.
I HAD the honour of opening PRIMEX 2026 in my capacity as NSW Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, and of course, as the local member.
PRIMEX Director Bruce Wright’s move from Casino to the new home at the Lismore Showground represented a major vote of confidence in Lismore’s future, and the event certainly drew in the crowds.
In an era when so much is done and delivered online, agricultural field days such as this provide an opportunity to see first-hand new developments and innovations for the agriculture sector,and meet the people doing the demonstrations.
The business leaders lunch at Primex on Friday was packed out, showing the level of enthusiasm from the business sector for the event.
In other farming news, I welcome Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty’s announcement of a $7 million investment to rebuild the cattle tick program. This is something I have been advocating for, over many years, and in consultation with local cattle farmers.
The National Liberal Government let the tick program run down and moved away from the goal of eradication, which was of great concern to local beef and dairy farmers as we are so close to the Queensland border.
Following on from the Biosecurity Commissioner’s review of the cattle tick program, Minister Moriarty announced the government was committed to all the recommendations of the report.
This includes:
- delivering the first Cattle Tick Eradication Action Plan by 30 September 2026
- providing more support for farmers to understand prevention and management options
- boosting access to veterinary resources
- expanding research into chemical resistance and alternative treatments
I note some National Party MPs say this isn’t good enough, and to that I say they have the hide of a rhino to act as though the Nats had nothing to do with the demise of the tick program.
Photo: Janelle Saffin at the St Vincent De Paul stall at Primex 2026.
