New officers bolster biosecurity preparedness and protect good jobs

Biosecurity Queensland has recruited 10 new officers to bolster Queensland’s biosecurity preparedness and protect the thousands of good jobs supported by the state’s livestock industries.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the new officers would be based in rural and regional Queensland to support an ‘all hazards’ approach across plant and animal pests and diseases.

“While regionally based, these officers will be mobile across Queensland and work with stakeholders to ensure the entire state is prepared for biosecurity emergencies,” Mr Furner said.

“Priorities for the new officers include ensuring all key stakeholders are aware of their role in preparedness and prevention activities.

“I congratulate these new officers on their appointment and wish them well in their important work supporting Queensland’s agricultural areas.”

Mr Furner said the new officers were part of a $22 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government, announced in by the Premier at the Ekka in August, to support preparedness for multiple, concurrent biosecurity threats.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping keep Australia free of diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, and African Swine Fever,” he said.

“That is why we will continue to build Queensland’s capacity to address biosecurity risks by supplementing that initial investment with an ongoing annual investment of almost $2.5 million.

“Queensland faces significant biosecurity risks and we simply cannot be complacent when it comes to protecting our agriculture industry, communities and great lifestyle.”

Information about plant and animal pests and diseases is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website, www.daf.qld.gov.au.

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920