• AUSPestCheck plant pest surveillance coordination centre granted $601,500
• Map interface collects, analyses, and shows pest and disease surveillance data
• Over $4.4 million provided to support national biosecurity surveillance.
New Australian Government funding of $601,500 has secured the vital work of the AUSPestCheck plant pest surveillance virtual coordination centre.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the investment was just one example of the Commonwealth’s commitment to our national biosecurity system.
“This funding guarantees enhancements to the database to meet growing national and international demand for plant pest and animal disease surveillance,” Minister Littleproud said
“Protecting Australian agriculture and our environment against pests and diseases is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of industry, research and government.
“Our farming production, set for a record gross forecast of $78 billion, depends on keeping plant pests and animal diseases in check.
“This cloud database provides information on pest and diseases numbers, and location and spread Australia wide.
“It alerts when target pests and diseases increase above a threshold or move into a new area. Since its initial trial, the database has collated over 3 million surveillance data records.
“This innovative tool has been collating data from the National Plant Health Surveillance Program, the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program and other sources.”
For more details visit https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/resources/auspestcheck
Fast Facts:
• AUSPestCheck, supported by over $4.4 million Australian Government funding, is being developed by Plant Health Australia.
• Initially developed to collect and display national plant pest surveillance data and now being expanded for national animal disease surveillance.
• Delivers on Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 commitments to strengthen national surveillance outcomes and systems, in collaboration with industries and all governments.
