Biosecurity a major focus for DPI&F
Published Wednesday, 04 June, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Queensland livestock and crops will be better protected thanks to a major funding boost to biosecurity in the Queensland government’s 2008-09 budget.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said $90.3 million would be spent on surveillance, emergency response and eradication services to protect Queensland’s primary industries.
The 2008-09 Budget allocation for DPI&F, released yesterday was $342.3 million, up from $332.5 million in 2007-08. The State Government investment in 2008-09 is $259.6 million, up from $248.3 million in 2007-08.
Mr Mulherin said the 10% increase in funding would help protect communities and fragile ecosystems from the potential impacts of plant, insect animal and marine pests and the improper use of agricultural chemicals.
“Last year’s equine influenza outbreak had the potential to destroy several industries and thousands of jobs,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
‘’It was a tough time for many associated with the racing and pleasure horse industry.
‘’The tough restrictions implemented by DPI&F to contain the disease were effective but it highlighted to the Bligh Government just how vigilant we must be in matters of biosecurity.’’
Mr Mulherin said the funding would go towards fighting and eradicating other exotic diseases and pests such as red imported fire ants.
‘’While Queensland has been more successful than any other region in the world in combating fire ants, it must be remembered they have the potential to severely damage the environment, our outdoor lifestyle and the agriculture and tourism industries, ’’ he said.
“We can’t risk a major outbreak.’’
The money will also go towards establishing a detailed Biosecurity Strategy for Queensland.
To ensure that the state maintains its high level of performance in primary industries, other funding will be allocated to key areas including:
• $205.34 million for Industry Development for research facilities, world class science, sustainable industry development and the extension of innovation to industry to assist Queensland maximise trade and export potential of primary industries.
• $46.71 million for Fisheries programs that manage and protect all aspects of Queensland’s unique marine and freshwater fish and seafood resources to ensure that commercial, indigenous and recreational fishing remains sustainable.
Media: David Potter 3239 6530, 0409 305 662
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said $90.3 million would be spent on surveillance, emergency response and eradication services to protect Queensland’s primary industries.
The 2008-09 Budget allocation for DPI&F, released yesterday was $342.3 million, up from $332.5 million in 2007-08. The State Government investment in 2008-09 is $259.6 million, up from $248.3 million in 2007-08.
Mr Mulherin said the 10% increase in funding would help protect communities and fragile ecosystems from the potential impacts of plant, insect animal and marine pests and the improper use of agricultural chemicals.
“Last year’s equine influenza outbreak had the potential to destroy several industries and thousands of jobs,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
‘’It was a tough time for many associated with the racing and pleasure horse industry.
‘’The tough restrictions implemented by DPI&F to contain the disease were effective but it highlighted to the Bligh Government just how vigilant we must be in matters of biosecurity.’’
Mr Mulherin said the funding would go towards fighting and eradicating other exotic diseases and pests such as red imported fire ants.
‘’While Queensland has been more successful than any other region in the world in combating fire ants, it must be remembered they have the potential to severely damage the environment, our outdoor lifestyle and the agriculture and tourism industries, ’’ he said.
“We can’t risk a major outbreak.’’
The money will also go towards establishing a detailed Biosecurity Strategy for Queensland.
To ensure that the state maintains its high level of performance in primary industries, other funding will be allocated to key areas including:
• $205.34 million for Industry Development for research facilities, world class science, sustainable industry development and the extension of innovation to industry to assist Queensland maximise trade and export potential of primary industries.
• $46.71 million for Fisheries programs that manage and protect all aspects of Queensland’s unique marine and freshwater fish and seafood resources to ensure that commercial, indigenous and recreational fishing remains sustainable.
Media: David Potter 3239 6530, 0409 305 662