VICTORIA Point has been slated as the last bastion for a sugar cane pest creeping over the border from New South Wales.
All movements of sugar cane north of Victoria Point will be governed by tighter legislation, expected to be passed by state parliament by the end of next year.
The measures, part of the proposed Biosecurity Act, are to stop the spread north of a pest called Fiji leaf gall virus, which is prevalent in New South Wales.
It is likely under the proposed legislation, those wanting to move sugar cane products north of the Victoria Point quarantine zone will have to seek permission from Biosecurity Queensland.
The boundary, drawn by Biosecurity Queensland, was chosen by sugar cane industry experts who helped draft the new laws for moving sugar cane and machinery around.
Victoria Point is one of seven proposed new sugar cane quarantine zones which will replace the current eight zones.
Biosecurity Queensland principal policy officer Mark Lightowler said quarantine boundaries between Herbert and Tully and between Maryborough and Bundaberg would be removed as they had low incidence of Fiji leaf gall virus.
Mr Lightowler said horse owners and cattle farmers could also be affected under changes to the Act and may face a $357.55, three-year fee.
Anyone farming or making money from a range of animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs will be hit.
Farmers may also have to pay property identification code registration fees, which the state government now pays.
Mr Lightowler urged everyone from backyard gardeners to cattle producers to give their views to Biosecurity Queensland while the Bill was being drafted.
