The Rockliff Liberal Government has today launched its five-year Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy.
Addressing the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group's Industry Forum in Devonport, Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jo Palmer said biosecurity is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental success and wellbeing of Tasmania.
"Tasmanian biosecurity is constantly evolving with increased visitation, free trade, pests and diseases occurring overseas or interstate," Minister Palmer said.
"Our aim is to build on the strengths and capabilities of current systems to meet new and emerging threats, through legislation, technology, and increasing biosecurity awareness.
"These strong biosecurity practices are to protect communities, the environment, and the economy from unwanted pests and diseases."
The strategy has six key outcomes with a goal of developing strong biosecurity, innovation and adopting best practice.
The outcomes focus on:
- Working with biosecurity stakeholders;
- Basing decisions on scientific principles;
- Resilient biosecurity emergency preparedness, response, and recovery;
- Strong state legislation protecting our biosecurity status;
- World-wide research to improve effectiveness of Tasmanian systems; and
- Stakeholder confidence in the state's biosecurity systems.
Community consultation played a key role in the Rockliff Liberal Government's development of the five-year strategy.
"Submissions showed the strategy has support from the industry and broader community," Minister Palmer said.
The strategy will be continuously updated to align with national and local requirements.
By further strengthening our biosecurity system, the Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters for all Tasmanians to make Tasmania the best place to work, live and raise a family.
The strategy can be found at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-strategy
