MEDIA RELEASE - Latest Snapshot Of Plant Biosecurity System Released

Plant Health Australia (PHA) is pleased to release the National Plant Biosecurity Status Report for 2018 which documents some of the key events of the year and the many layers of the plant biosecurity system that is protecting our plant industries and our environment.

Australia is fortunate to be free from many serious exotic plant pests and diseases, but factors such as globalisation, international and interstate travel, climate change and the movement of an increasing volume of goods are all increasing biosecurity risks.

“We maintain our freedom from many serious plant pests by devoting considerable resources to plant biosecurity,” said the Chairman of Plant Health Australia, Steve McCutcheon.

"The system supports sustainable plant production, our unique ecosystems and way of life, while maintaining and enhancing market access, benefitting all Australians.”

“Our modern, dynamic and integrated plant biosecurity system relies on a cohesive partnership between government and industry. We all work together to respond to challenges faced and prepare for those ahead.”

Compiling the 2018 National Plant Biosecurity Status Report relied on the input of more than 100 organisations including government agencies, industries and the research sector. It is the 11th such report, one of several tools used to help monitor the continuous improvement of our plant biosecurity system.

The report covers the role of governments, industry and the community, the most concerning exotic plant pests to the environment and our plant industries. Content is framed against the system’s three layers of protection: pre-border, border and post-border.

The surveillance and diagnostics services that are required to detect and identify new pests are described, and a summary given of the status of emergency responses active during the year. More than 600 plant biosecurity research, development and extension projects underway around Australia are also listed.

For the first time, a timeline of notable biosecurity events during 2018 is provided, which links to features throughout the document.

Online media release: Latest snapshot of plant biosecurity system released: http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/latest-snapshot-of-plant-biosecurity-system-released/