AgForce has welcomed the Queensland Government’s move to reinforce biosecurity in the state’s far north.
The comments follow the announcement that the Cape York Biosecurity Centre in Coen will be reestablished with an additional 6 biosecurity officers to be stationed across the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York.
AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said biosecurity is what primary production is built on.
“The production of food and fibre in Australia is clean and green and we want to ensure it remains that way,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Biosecurity is something we will not compromise on.
“We are pleased to see the Crisafulli Government making good on its pre-election promises to boost biosecurity.”
The Coen screen checkpoint was shut down in June 2023, a move heavily criticised by AgForce at the time.
“We’ve always said we want to see boots on the ground and open facilities because there are diseases like lumpy skin disease and foot and mouth just to our north,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Any incursion of these diseases would be catastrophic for the Australian cattle industry, so strengthening our protections is vital.
“There is also a risk to other agricultural industries in the region, like sugarcane.
“Our producers take our international reputation and biosecurity protocols very seriously.
“Our Queensland producers are valued at more than $20 billion.
“To have a checkpoint back in place is something AgForce has been calling for since 2023 and we’d like to see it operational again as soon as possible.
“The extra biosecurity officers between Cooktown, Weipa and Kurumba are also welcome.”
