Published Thursday, 24 July, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Biosecurity discussion paper launched today
The community is being encouraged to have input into ensuring Queensland is protected from pests and diseases.
In his opening address to the Estimates hearings, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin today launched the Queensland Biosecurity discussion paper.
“With the devastation caused by Equine Influenza still fresh in our minds, we want all Queenslanders to have a say on how to better protect the state from pests, diseases and invasive species,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“I urge all stakeholders to put forward their views on biosecurity in our state.
“Submissions will be considered in the further development of this landmark biosecurity strategy for Queensland, which should be finalised next year.
“Queensland’s agricultural sector is worth around $12.5 billion per year – with around $6 billion of this production exported overseas.
“Without good biosecurity, Queensland and Australia risks losing access to these critical markets, which are vital to the Queensland economy.”
Mr Mulherin said biosecurity was vital to everyone’s interests, not just producers and exporters.
“Biosecurity has the potential to impact on all our lives – whether it relates to the safety of our food, the welfare of animals, controlling weeds in our backyard, protecting ecosystems and our world-famous flora and fauna crucial to much of our tourism industry and safeguarding our reputation as a ‘clean and green’ food supplier,” he said.
“At the moment we are seeing the impact that an exotic animal disease can have on human health, with confirmation of the rare Hendra virus in Brisbane’s bayside and a property near Proserpine.
“Our biosecurity experts responded quickly to those outbreaks and are working with the people involved, as well as Queensland Health and horse industries to deal with the current problem and learn more about this virus.
“DPI&F has been delivering biosecurity services from more than 150 years, and now, as the movement of people and goods in and out of Queensland continues to grow, we all need to work together to ensure we can respond to the ever increasing risks.
“The biosecurity expertise in DPI&F has earned international recognition and respect for many of the successful programs operated by our staff in Queensland.
“But we are not going to rest on our laurels – we are determined to provide the best possible service now and into the future.
“This discussion paper is an opportunity for all stakeholders, industry groups and individuals to put their views and ideas forward on how to ensure Queensland has world-leading biosecurity systems and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
The discussion paper ‘Queensland Biosecurity’ is available from the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.
Submissions close September 30, 2008.
Media: 32396530
In his opening address to the Estimates hearings, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin today launched the Queensland Biosecurity discussion paper.
“With the devastation caused by Equine Influenza still fresh in our minds, we want all Queenslanders to have a say on how to better protect the state from pests, diseases and invasive species,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“I urge all stakeholders to put forward their views on biosecurity in our state.
“Submissions will be considered in the further development of this landmark biosecurity strategy for Queensland, which should be finalised next year.
“Queensland’s agricultural sector is worth around $12.5 billion per year – with around $6 billion of this production exported overseas.
“Without good biosecurity, Queensland and Australia risks losing access to these critical markets, which are vital to the Queensland economy.”
Mr Mulherin said biosecurity was vital to everyone’s interests, not just producers and exporters.
“Biosecurity has the potential to impact on all our lives – whether it relates to the safety of our food, the welfare of animals, controlling weeds in our backyard, protecting ecosystems and our world-famous flora and fauna crucial to much of our tourism industry and safeguarding our reputation as a ‘clean and green’ food supplier,” he said.
“At the moment we are seeing the impact that an exotic animal disease can have on human health, with confirmation of the rare Hendra virus in Brisbane’s bayside and a property near Proserpine.
“Our biosecurity experts responded quickly to those outbreaks and are working with the people involved, as well as Queensland Health and horse industries to deal with the current problem and learn more about this virus.
“DPI&F has been delivering biosecurity services from more than 150 years, and now, as the movement of people and goods in and out of Queensland continues to grow, we all need to work together to ensure we can respond to the ever increasing risks.
“The biosecurity expertise in DPI&F has earned international recognition and respect for many of the successful programs operated by our staff in Queensland.
“But we are not going to rest on our laurels – we are determined to provide the best possible service now and into the future.
“This discussion paper is an opportunity for all stakeholders, industry groups and individuals to put their views and ideas forward on how to ensure Queensland has world-leading biosecurity systems and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
The discussion paper ‘Queensland Biosecurity’ is available from the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.
Submissions close September 30, 2008.
Media: 32396530