The driver who disguised the number plates on a vehicle towing a horsefloat which illegally crossed the NSW-Queensland border during the early hours at Tweed Heads last year has been apprehended and fined. 

“Images captured by the NSW DPI camera surveillance system at Chinderah clearly showed the driver, with a horse on board, had gone to great effort to avoid recognition and detection,” said DPI senior regional veterinarian Paul Freeman. 

“The vehicle’s registration plates were intentionally covered, the driver hid his face with a hat and the movement was in the early hours of the morning. 

“The driver was trying to avoid the requirements of bringing livestock into NSW from Queensland which involves stopping at the border to be checked for cattle ticks.” 

The driver from Goolmangar near Lismore on the NSW north coast was caught after he drove the vehicle along the Bruxner Highway at Wollongbar – directly past the headquarters of the NSW DPI’s cattle tick program. 

“One of our Managers noticed the vehicle and some of its distinguishing features including driving lights, a winch and rear bars behind the cab with rounded corners. 

“He got the number plate and after the vehicle was traced, the driver admitted to the illegal crossing which was captured by the NSW DPI camera surveillance system at Chinderah – and was fined $550.” 

Mr Freeman said cattle ticks were endemic in Queensland and the NSW Government has regulations in place to ensure horses, cattle and other livestock do not move freely out of tick-infected Qld into NSW. 

“Cattle ticks can attach to livestock and if the livestock are brought into NSW without inspection or treatment they can spread the parasite with costly consequences for the NSW cattle industries.” 

He said surveillance cameras operate around the clock on the seven traffic crossing between tick-infected coastal Queensland and NSW.  

“Livestock vehicles which fail to stop at the border are identified and investigated. 

“Offenders can be fined $550 for illegally bringing cattle or other livestock into NSW.”  

Mr Freeman said NSW properties that become infested with cattle ticks must undergo a treatment program to eradicate the ticks which can take up to 18 months. 

“DPI inspectors also monitor stock for cattle ticks at saleyards and abattoirs and treat all stock leaving Casino, Grafton, Murwillumbah and Lismore saleyards and going to property.” 

Mr Freeman said anyone intending to cross the NSW-Queensland border with horses, cattle or other livestock should contact NSW DPI on (07) 5536 4714 for advice and to make a booking.

Media contact: Phil Bevan 0429 458 053