The Morrison-Joyce Government has invested $61.6 million to consolidate and improve biosecurity across Northern Australia as part of our plan for a stronger future.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the government would deliver critical enhancements to protect our north from increasing biosecurity risks.
“Northern Australia is on the biosecurity frontline due to its proximity to near neighbours where significant animal and plant diseases are present, and prevailing wind and sea currents,” Minister Littleproud.
“It’s vital that our biosecurity system continually evolves to meet those challenges so that we can protect human, animal, aquatic and plant health across the nation.
“Lumpy skin disease, recently confirmed in Indonesia, is a key priority – we are committed to protecting our $15 billion cattle industry.
“We will be targeting improved diagnostics, industry resilience and implementation of emerging surveillance technologies – including an early focus to boost protection from lumpy skin disease.
“In partnership with Northern states, territories, industries and communities, we are committing $17.0 million to build regional resilience to manage biosecurity risks, including the delivery of critical biosecurity infrastructure.
“Given the increasing threat of lumpy skin disease, $15.0 million will support technical preparation and response capability to a potential outbreak, as well supporting work with our near neighbours.
“We are also enhancing our biosecurity frontline across the north with additional Indigenous biosecurity officers, 4 dedicated detector dogs in the north and enhancing biosecurity networks.”
“Effective biosecurity management is essential to keep Australia safe from exotic pests, weeds and diseases, supporting the agricultural industry’s goal of $100 billion by 2030.
“Protecting our biosecurity status will maintain our strong market access position and support sustainable, resilient and more profitable agricultural industries.”
Fast Facts:
- Implements key components of governments commitment to the 2030 Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy.
- Lumpy skin disease, African swine fever, citrus canker and Asian green mussel are just a few of the exotic biosecurity risks present in our near neighbours.
- Estimated costs of an African swine fever outbreak to the Australian economy would be $2 billion.
- Lumpy skin disease could potentially impact cattle operations nationwide and compromise access to international markets.
