Biosecurity cannot be compromised
Story Added : 26th May 2011
Together with the recent federal budget allocation of $425 million over three years, the strategy will form the nation’s front line defence against pests and disease.
According to Plant Health Australia chairman, Dr Tony Gregson, improved national coordination and cooperation is the key to the strategy’s success.
“Biosecurity is very much on the radar right now given the increased public and media interest in the issue of global food security and some high profile incursions we have seen here in Australia,” Dr Gregson said.
“While our geography provides many natural advantages in keeping threats at bay we cannot afford to drop our guard. There is too much at stake.”
With factors such as growing levels of trade and tourism, the emergence of new pest and increasing competition for resources and climate variability, Dr Gregson warned Australia has an increased biosecurity threat.
“Among the challenges there is ever increasing and more rapid movement of people and produce across state and national borders,” he said.
“More than 1.8 million containers of cargo and 150 million mail items arrive in Australia each year.”
For more information about the strategy go to www.phau.au/NPBS.
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