Community and industry feedback is invited on Victoria's new Biosecurity Strategy to help strengthen the existing system against increased pest and disease risks.
Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift said widespread input is critical in shaping the strategy to prevent and manage harms to our farms, natural environment and people.
'Victoria's biosecurity system needs to adapt and change to meet current and future challenges with improved clarity on the role that everyone can play to reduce risk,' Dr Clift said.
'We welcome feedback on Victoria's new Biosecurity Strategy – a key commitment to strengthening our existing system against increased pests and disease risks.
'It's crucial this strategy is informed by people from a range of backgrounds and experience – including those who regularly deal with biosecurity risks and benefit from a strong biosecurity system.'
Biosecurity is the actions to prevent and manage the harms caused by pests and diseases, and the impact they have on what we value most.
'Victoria's biosecurity system has responded strongly to high priority threats in recent years and there are great examples of partnerships across the system,' Dr Clift said.
'The new Victorian Biosecurity Strategy prioritises more widespread collaboration as key to a stronger and more resilient system.'
The draft strategy was developed with people who have a role in biosecurity, including farmers, agriculture industry bodies, supply chain and transport businesses, community and emergency management organisations, Traditional Owners and government agencies.
Community consultation included a series of statewide workshops earlier this year and builds on Victoria's Biosecurity Statement endorsed by the Victorian Government in 2022.
The strategy has also been shaped with input by Victoria's Biosecurity Reference Group (BRG), a collective representing industry and community views.
'In our collective pursuit of a secure future for both food and fibre, we must recognise that biosecurity is a shared responsibility,' BRG member and VFF Vice President Danyel Cucinotta said.
'We encourage farmers to actively engage in shaping the draft strategy with invaluable insights and collaboration that will fortify our defences, ensuring a resilient and thriving agricultural sector for generations to come.'
The draft strategy is the next step in a four-year change program working with government, industry and community to strengthen different aspects of the biosecurity system.
Community members can complete a survey or make a submission on the Victoria's Biosecurity Strategy website by midnight, Wednesday, 16 August, 2023.
