The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and the TAS Farm Innovation Hub are strengthening biosecurity efforts as part of an enhanced plan to protect Tasmanian farmers.
Craig Elliott has recently been appointed as the Biosecurity Engagement Lead for TIA and the Hub. It's a newly created position that's been jointly funded with a focus on strengthening efforts to safeguard Tasmania's agricultural industries from emerging pests and diseases.
"A key part of my role will be working with industry and government to help identify the biosecurity priorities and how TIA and the TAS Farm Innovation Hub can meet those needs to prepare Tasmania for current and emerging pest and disease threats," Mr Elliott said.
"I'll be focusing on identifying research priorities to strengthen our ability to respond to biosecurity threats.
"This will include boosting our capability through training and simulation exercises that will enhance the state's ability to respond to biosecurity threats and TIA's role during biosecurity emergencies."
The role will complement the Biosecurity Operational Plan which sets out how TIA works with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to contribute to pest and disease prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Mr Elliott has a strong background in biosecurity. For the last seven years he's consulted nationally and internationally to governments and industry bodies on specific biosecurity threats and capability to respond to biosecurity emergencies.
He's also previously worked for the Tasmanian and Queensland governments in a range of roles comprising emergency preparedness, biosecurity surveillance and certification, policy, community and industry engagement and emergency response management.
He was the incident controller as part of the National Biosecurity Response Team and led major biosecurity emergency responses including responses to Queensland fruit fly, African swine flu, Banana freckle, myrtle rust and Hendra virus. Mr Elliott also led national efforts to prepare industry for plant biosecurity threat, Xylella fastidiosa, in a multi-year project coordinated with the wine and horticulture sectors.
The Director of TIA, Professor Mike Rose, has welcomed the appointment.
"There are a wide range of agriculturally damaging pests that have the potential to enter Tasmania. This appointment is another step in helping to support our farmers and the wider industry from the threat of incursions," Professor Rose said.
"Our food and fibre producers depend on strong biosecurity to protect their livelihoods and Tasmania's reputation. In strengthening the biosecurity capability of TIA and our ability to work with Biosecurity Tasmania, we are helping to safeguard our industry's future."
The Director of the TAS Farm Innovation Hub Sandra Knowles agreed.
"As our climate changes and becomes more unpredictable, the risks posed by pests, diseases, and other biosecurity threats to Tasmanian farmers are increasing," she said.
"The appointment of a dedicated Biosecurity Engagement Lead through the partnership between the TAS Farm Innovation Hub and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture is a vital step in protecting our local agricultural communities and strengthening their resilience.
"This role will ensure farmers have timely access to expert advice and resources to safeguard their businesses. By working collaboratively, we are supporting Tasmanian farmers to adapt, thrive, and secure the long-term sustainability of our agricultural sector."
