Australia’s biosecurity system and booming agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries will be strengthened with a $1.5 billion investment in this year’s Federal Budget through a range of measures and initiatives that support our world-class food and fibre sector.
Of this, $1.3 billion in long-term sustainable funding has been committed to bolster our already strong biosecurity system, which will continue to protect Australia from exotic pests and diseases, and strengthen our regional, rural and remote communities.
In addition, the biosecurity funding package delivers $40.6 million over 4 years towards the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program. This partnership provides Australia with frontline early detection and surveillance for biosecurity threats along our remote northern coastline.
The Climate-Smart Agriculture package will deliver $302.1 million over 5 years through sustainable agricultural investments and partnership with the Natural Heritage Trust, in supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart practices.
A $38.3 million investment over 4 years will improve our expertise in analysis, data and technology, which will support our farmers to prosper and grow, and meet global demand in a challenging environment and variable climate.
$20 million has been committed to implement the National Soil Action Plan and a soil monitoring program in partnership with states and territories.
The process to implement the phase out of live sheep exports by sea will be supported with $5.6 million over 2 years towards an independent panel to deliver high-quality analysis and consideration of industry impacts.
Renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy with a $5 million commitment will provide our international trading partners and consumers with reassurance that animal welfare is a priority for Australia.
