The Territory Labor Government has announced an immediate $2.9 million biosecurity boost, to prepare the Territory's agribusiness industries to respond to increasing biosecurity threats which would have devastating consequences for our agricultural sector and regional economies.
This investment is in addition, to the Budget 2022 commitment of $1.9 million bringing the total biosecurity package to $4.8 million this financial year.
With the very real threat of Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth disease, as well as the detection of Japanese Encephalitis, Banana Freckle, American Serpentine Leafminer and Mango Shoot Looper in the Territory in the last year - preparation is paramount.
Six Indonesian animal science students are returning home with a wealth of biosecurity knowledge, after completing a 10-week exchange program in the Northern Territory.
The students from the Gadjah Mada University will now implement the best practise biosecurity measures they learnt from Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade staff and their experiences on Territory cattle stations in the Indonesia-Northern Territory Biosecurity Program (INTBP) on farms in their communities.
During the program the students spent three weeks on Victoria River Downs and Newcastle Waters stations where they put into practice animal husbandry and practical biosecurity skills.
The students also helped with day to day tasks required to run a cattle station, including fencing, pregnancy testing, mustering and feeding cattle.
Department staff will travel to Indonesia in the coming months to check on the student's progress and how these biosecurity measures have been promoted and implemented through their university projects.
The students will also share the knowledge they have learned within their communities in an effort to educate and share the importance of biosecurity risk-minimisation within the agricultural sector and their university networks.
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries, Paul Kirby:
"These students have gained valuable knowledge to take home and share with their peers and their farming communities.
"The program has proved how successful a knowledge sharing partnership can be and has developed a strong bond between the university and our own biosecurity experts."
Northern Territory Government
