Collaborative biosecurity initiatives are strengthening our biosecurity frontline and protecting Australia against the threat of serious pests and diseases.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said implementing the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Biosecurity Strategy is a great example of how we are working together to improve biosecurity outcomes.
"Emerging biosecurity threats in our northern neighbours, such as lumpy skin disease and African swine fever, along with the recent outbreak of Japanese encephalitis, highlight the need for vigilance and a coordinated approach to protecting Australia," Minister Littleproud said.
"Current initiatives focus on improving biosecurity infrastructure, delivering biosecurity training and reference material, expanding availability of detector dogs in Torres Strait, and obtaining baseline risk data on pest ant species within the region.
"Implementation of this Strategy, and similar regional biosecurity plans for high risk areas, will be further boosted by our $61.6 million injection to build biosecurity capability and infrastructure, as well as surveillance and diagnostic technologies across the north.
"Our newly appointed Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson based in Cairns, will also partner with stakeholders to build resilience to current and emerging animal disease threats and deepen engagement in the South-East Asia region."
"I acknowledge and thank the efforts of our biosecurity partners across the north in keeping pests and disease at bay."
