Indigenous businesses and not for profits are now able to apply for grants to develop business opportunities relating to biosecurity in northern Australia.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud and Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt AM said the Australian Government was backing the innovative project with $880,000 per year available in grants to support northern Australia's biosecurity activities
"Northern Australia's vast, sparsely populated 10,000 km coastline is the frontline for many high-risk animal and plant pests and diseases," Minister Littleproud said.
"We must protect northern Australia, its unique environment and growing source of agricultural wealth.
"Biosecurity in northern Australia underpins northern development and protects the whole country from the threat of pests and diseases that could devastate our agricultural industries.
"Good biosecurity keeps communities alive; delivers better produce yields; keeps production costs low; increases market access; and preserves Australia for future generations.
"Grants will be available to existing or new Indigenous businesses, or other organisations working closely with Indigenous communities, to capitalise on biosecurity by funding innovative business opportunities and developing business, feasibility or marketing plans."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt said the grants present a growth opportunity for existing and new Indigenous businesses while achieving positive biosecurity outcomes in northern Australia.
"The goal is to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and other organisations working with Indigenous people in northern Australia to view the emerging biosecurity market as an economic prospect to cultivate innovative business ideas," Minister Wyatt said.
