Published Thursday, 01 March, 2007 at 02:11 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
BIOSECURITY QUEENSLAND MOVES INTO ACTION
Biosecurity Queensland today became the new central point of contact for invasive species and diseases across the state, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin, said the experience and expertise of more than 500 staff from DPI&F and around 180 staff from the Department of Natural Resources and Water had been brought together to form the new, single agency.
“One of the driving factors in establishing Biosecurity Queensland was to bring together the right expertise and capabilities into the one central agency and I’m pleased to announce that today marks the achievement of that very important first step,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The new Biosecurity Queensland brings together land protection capabilities, plant, animal and marine biosecurity, chemical use and food safety, animal welfare and will shortly include some key areas of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Kareena Arthy, who was project director under Dr Warren Hoey during the formation of Biosecurity Queensland, has been appointed chief executive for a period of six months while the fulltime position is advertised.
Dr Ron Glanville has been appointed chief biosecurity officer, chief veterinary officer and deputy CEO.
Dr Hoey has been appointed chief executive officer of Forestry Plantations Queensland.
“This is the first time that all biosecurity capabilities in Queensland have come together under the one agency,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“With the new group now operational, my vision is to take the experience and expertise that exists, and build on it to develop a group that uses world’s-best practice risk management strategies, new technology and science as the key building blocks for biosecurity work in Queensland.
“Today is only the beginning for Biosecurity Queensland and we have a lot of work to do before we can deliver this vision.
“Over the next few months, I will be working closely with industry, local government, natural resource groups and other organisations to gain their input in to how we get the structure, priorities and capabilities right for this vital area of business.
For more information about Biosecurity Queensland, visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media: David Potter 32396530
Mr Mulherin, said the experience and expertise of more than 500 staff from DPI&F and around 180 staff from the Department of Natural Resources and Water had been brought together to form the new, single agency.
“One of the driving factors in establishing Biosecurity Queensland was to bring together the right expertise and capabilities into the one central agency and I’m pleased to announce that today marks the achievement of that very important first step,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The new Biosecurity Queensland brings together land protection capabilities, plant, animal and marine biosecurity, chemical use and food safety, animal welfare and will shortly include some key areas of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Kareena Arthy, who was project director under Dr Warren Hoey during the formation of Biosecurity Queensland, has been appointed chief executive for a period of six months while the fulltime position is advertised.
Dr Ron Glanville has been appointed chief biosecurity officer, chief veterinary officer and deputy CEO.
Dr Hoey has been appointed chief executive officer of Forestry Plantations Queensland.
“This is the first time that all biosecurity capabilities in Queensland have come together under the one agency,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“With the new group now operational, my vision is to take the experience and expertise that exists, and build on it to develop a group that uses world’s-best practice risk management strategies, new technology and science as the key building blocks for biosecurity work in Queensland.
“Today is only the beginning for Biosecurity Queensland and we have a lot of work to do before we can deliver this vision.
“Over the next few months, I will be working closely with industry, local government, natural resource groups and other organisations to gain their input in to how we get the structure, priorities and capabilities right for this vital area of business.
For more information about Biosecurity Queensland, visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media: David Potter 32396530