Australia celebrated its first National Biosecurity Week from 26-30 August. The landmark initiative aimed to raise awareness and educate the community on the importance of biosecurity in safeguarding the nation’s environment, agricultural industries and economy.
Australia is free of many pests and diseases that impact other countries, such as foot-and-mouth disease and Xylella fastidiosa, thanks to its rigorous biosecurity measures. The country’s geographic isolation provides an advantage, but it also increases the responsibility to prevent biosecurity threats that could severely impact the economy, environment and human health.
Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Australia exports about 70% of its agricultural products. A breach in biosecurity could devastate local crops and livestock and undermine Australia’s ability to trade internationally.
Led by Plant Health Australia and Animal Health Australia, National Biosecurity Week is an initiative of the Decade of Biosecurity (DoB).
A series of events and social media campaigns were held across Australia by industry players including the National Farmers Federation, Invasive Species Council, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Freight Trade Alliance, National Resource Management, Landcare Australia, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Activities targeted a broad audience, including farmers, travellers, students and the community, encouraging them to take active roles in safeguarding biosecurity. Project partners also worked with Disrupt Radio, a digital radio network, to deliver editorial interviews broadcasted during the campaign.
Event highlights included:
- National Press Club address in Canberra on 20 August: Biosecurity – Safeguarding our nation.
- The 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium in Gold Coast 27-29 August.
- The 23rd Australasian Weeds Conference in Brisbane 25-29 August.
- The Biosecurity Youth Summit in Gold Coast on 29 August.
As the week unfolded, the message was clear: biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and proactive action today will secure Australia’s future for generations to come.
