Burdekin Primary Producers To Benefit From Biosecurity Preparedness Boost

Primary producers in the Burdekin are set to benefit from a Queensland Government investment aimed at strengthening biosecurity preparedness and improving responses to potential agricultural outbreaks.

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The Government has allocated $75,000 through the Biosecurity Boost Grants Program to support industry-led simulation exercises designed to test emergency responses to real-world threats.

The program will bring together key industry organisations including Cotton Australia, the Australian Lot Feeder’s Association and NRM Regions Queensland to simulate potential biosecurity risks affecting agriculture and livestock industries.

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Biosecurity remains a key concern for Queensland’s agriculture sector, with pests and disease outbreaks identified as one of the most significant risks to production, exports and regional economies.

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Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the investment was about ensuring industry and government were prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats.

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“Biosecurity underpins Queensland's ability to grow and produce clean, healthy and nutritious local food,” Mr Perrett said.

“Strong biosecurity is the linchpin of a productive primary industries sector and regional and rural communities.”

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He said preparedness exercises were essential to minimising the impact of any future outbreak.

“The simulations conducted by our industry partners are critical investments in prevention and preparedness, to ensure swift, effective responses that significantly limit impact on individuals and entire industries,” he said.

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Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the exercises would help industry better understand outbreak response pathways.

“Boll weevil is one of the top threats to the cotton industry, and it has the capability to cause significant damage to crops, so it’s important to understand how to respond should an outbreak occur,” Mr Kay said.

NRM Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said the funding would strengthen preparedness across regional sectors.

“These exercises are a great opportunity for the NRM team across the state to simulate real-world scenarios and ensure we’re prepared to assist on any biosecurity threats where we can,” he said.

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