DPIR Snares Two Biosecurity Awards

TheNorthern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) has beenrecognised for its exemplary biosecurity work, winning two categories at thisyears Australian Biosecurity Awards.

Heldat the National Convention Centre in Canberra last night, the awards recognisedthe excellent work of DPIR Executive Director Biosecurity and Animal Welfare,Sarah Corcoran, and the Aquatic Biosecurity team, who both landed accolades.

MsCorcoran, along with Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock, was recognised with acollaborative Industry/Government award for their response to the discovery ofcitrus canker in the Northern Territory.

Citruscanker was discovered on lime plants in Darwin in April 2018 and Ms Corcoranled the resulting emergency response, opening up lines of communication withindustry, growers, state and territory departments and the community.

DPIRsAquatic Biosecurity team were recognised for their significant contribution tomaintaining Australias biosecurity integrity, taking out the award in theGovernment category.

Theteam was praised for its freshwater pest programs, marine pest monitoring andfish kill investigations. They also received recognition for public awarenessprograms, vessel biofouling risk assessments and inspections and Aboriginalmarine ranger engagement.

As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources,Paul Kirby:

Iwant to congratulate the DPIR award winners on their outstanding work over thepast 12 months.

TheDPIR team punches well above its weight when it comes to biosecurity, despiteits small size in comparison to other states aquatic biosecurity teams, andhas been working to maintain the highest possible standards in the NorthernTerritory for the past 20 years.

Strongbiosecurity practices are extremely important to protect the Territorysagricultural industries from pests and diseases that threaten the economy andenvironment.

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