Inaugural National Biosecurity Week kicks off in Queensland

• Inaugural National Biosecurity Week starts today with Australian Biosecurity Symposium on the Gold Coast.
• Emphasising how vital strong biosecurity is to Queensland agriculture.
• Three new Biosecurity Mates Ambassadors inducted

Queensland’s vital role in Australia’s biosecurity has been highlighted with the hosting of the 3^rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium kicking off on the Gold Coast.

It marks the start of the inaugural National Biosecurity Week, running from 26-30 August 2024.

The importance of strong biosecurity is being emphasised to the next generation of agricultural industry leaders, with 40 high school students given the opportunity to join the 2024 Biosecurity Youth Summit.

Fostering an understanding among our upcoming generation of the importance of biosecurity in everybody’s lives is critical to safeguarding Queensland’s economy, environment and way of life.

The Youth Summit is part of the Miles Government’s $21.7 million funding for biosecurity preparedness, with this week’s event supported through a $50,000 sponsorship.

National Biosecurity Week emphasises the significance of biosecurity in the protection of our environment, food supply and economy, and is an opportunity to highlight the collaborative efforts of government, industry and the community in raising biosecurity awareness and promoting biosecurity practices.

Another key initiative being announced as part of the week is the expansion of the Biosecurity Mates Ambassador program.

The 3 new ambassadors bring unique skillsets and experience and will build on the work of the existing 6 ambassadors by driving community awareness of biosecurity.

The 3 newly appointed Biosecurity Mates ambassadors are: 

• Kayvan Etebari, Senior Lecturer, Entomology and Insect Molecular Biology, University of Queensland
• Brigid Price, Business Manager, Price Cattle Company
• Andrew Williams, Invasive Animal Officer, Gold Coast City Council 

The Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program was established in May 2024 with 6 inaugural ambassadors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner: 

“It’s only fitting that the flagship event of the inaugural National Biosecurity Week is being held in Queensland – Australia’s powerhouse of agriculture and the front lines of the nation’s biosecurity efforts.

“The Miles Government backs Queensland’s primary producers by doing our bit to keep pests and diseases that could cost our economy billions of dollars in check.

“With the inaugural Biosecurity Youth Summit at the Gold Coast we’re highlighting the importance of biosecurity to the next generation as well.”

Quote attributable to Dr Samantha Allan, CEO Animal Health Australia:  

 “We’re excited to be partnering with Biosecurity Queensland on the inaugural Youth Summit,” Dr Allan said.  

“We know that biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so this year’s summit is about welcoming the next generation into our Biosecurity Collective fold, and hearing their fresh ideas.

 “The inaugural 2024 Biosecurity Youth Summit will provide the opportunity to listen, inform and include young people on biosecurity matters.  

“The Youth Summit aims to provide students with opportunities to explore different elements of biosecurity and enhance students’ essential, analytical, and creative thinking, leadership skills, self-awareness, and cultural understanding.  

“It will provide the opportunity for meaningful feedback to the Biosecurity Collective.” 

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0427 781 920